Andrea Polli & Chuck Varga

Any conversation about the environment inevitably comes to the automobile. Automobiles are essential to the lives of most New York City residents, but with these benefits come serious consequences: polluted air, dangerous roads, noise and congestion.

The connection between the automobile, life and air in New York City is explored through Cloud Car, a car fitted with special effects equipment that produces a cloud of mist, enveloping car and rider. As a public artwork, Cloud Car focuses attention on air and the automobile with a cloud of mist. Air is made tangible and visible.

At designated times, in-person guides are stationed near the car, distributing fact sheets related to air quality issues and encouraging passers-by to discuss the environment, automobiles and traffic in the city.

2008 presentations:

September 19th - Park(ing) day test drive, 21st street and 43rd Avenue, Long Island City Queens

October 18th, 12-6PM - Eyebeam Block Party, Chelsea in conjunction with The Ear to the Earth Festival

November 1st, 10AM-3PM - The New York Hall of Science, Queens in conjunction with The Ear to the Earth Festival

This project is made possible (in part) with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Queens Council on the Arts

"Cloud Car"