My work is designed to playfully engage the senses and invite interaction. Here, I cut empty soda and beer cans into squares and nailed them into road signs. The aluminum squares became glittering sequins, like a disco ball. At a distance, “signal ahead” appears like a regular sign. Up close, viewers see the surprising material and hear a soft rustling sound when the sequins swivel in a breeze or reflect light. I thought about how simple, durable materials can be refashioned for new uses. I also thought about how objects become trash only once we decide they lack purpose. I wanted to pause the trash cycle. So I used discarded aluminum and obsolete signs to create shimmering, sculptural objects for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.      

Melisa Gerecci is a visual artist and illustrator. She uses kinetic, tactile elements in her work and experiments with narrative structures to tell stories through art. She has created public-facing work for The Bowery Mission, Brazos Bookstore, Audible, and Rutgers University. Her work is held by The Newark Public Library and in private collections. Gerecci earned a JD from New York University School of Law (2009) and a BA in Plan II from the University of Texas at Austin (2005). 

See more of Melisa’s work at http://megerecci.com/