Domino Table Talks - Episode 1
09/10/2024
The first two episodes of Domino Table Talks were filmed in Doris C. Freedman Plaza at Central Park alongside celebrated Puerto Rican artist Edra Soto’s first large-scale work in New York City. Produced by Public Art Fund, Graft is inspired by wrought-iron screens (rejas) commonly found outside homes in Puerto Rico. On view until August 24, 2025, Graft features repeating geometric motifs linked to West Africa’s Yoruba symbol systems in contrast with the Spanish colonial architecture often highlighted in Puerto Rican tourism. Tables and seating beside the sculpture invite visitors to the “inside” of this home, creating an intimate gathering atmosphere for dominos or conversation.
Episode One features artists Edra Soto, Miguel Luciano, Francisca Benítez, and poet Papoleto Meléndez in conversation. The cultural creators discuss the power of public art and gameplay to activate and transform space. In the shadow of Soto’s sculpture, a work that speaks directly to the architecture of working-class Puerto Rican homes, the artists talk about widespread gentrification in New York and Puerto Rico.
“What I want people to think about is cultural value. If you value what you have, if you value where you live, what you possess, you’ll take care of it… And people need to feel that what they have is valuable to take care of it, to protect it, and to build their self esteem. [Gesturing towards Graft] You know, like what makes this less of a part of the history, less important than what is being celebrated in a mainstream sense?”
CREDITS: This episode was created with the support of the Public Art Fund. Episode produced by SandenWolff Productions, Noah Therrien, with Thomas Trudeau and Artem Kulakov. Logo graphics created by Scott Kelly from Van Alen Institute. Episode music by Los Pleneros de la 21.