Interactive Art at Wainer Woods
Why have interactive art works at Wainer Woods?
-connect people to Westport’s hidden heritage
-provide opportunities for emerging artists
-invite youth to engage with Wampanoag culture using their personal tech devices
-amplify non colonial perspectives
-provide Wampanoag cultural experiences
-stimulate the local economy
-provide classes, exhibitions and performances year-round
-use public artworks to simultaneously educate, entertain, and interact via augmented reality and QR technology
Chief Nij-Pajikwat-Mo`z (Chief Two Running Elk), aka Robert Cox, is a descendent of both the Wainer and Cuffe families. As a tribute to his ancestors the Chief dresses in his traditional sacred clothing for the monument.
Planned Artworks
Bronze Monument in tribute to Captain Michael Wainer and Captain Paul Cuffe. Sachem Chief Two Running Elks, A living descendant of historical figures Michael Wainer and Paul Cuffe has been 3D scanned wearing traditional Wampanoag dress. The scan will be used to fabricate a larger than life sculpture using the most modern scanning technology. The finished sculpture will be set on a stone base in a small park setting at Wainer Woods. A sitting area with Native botanicals and Wampanoag inspired landscaping, symbols and themes will surround the figure. Modern technology makes an accurate 3d scan of a living human figure and it replicates them. The scanning process forges an accurate representation of the figure being depicted. Modern 3 D scans allow the figure to be scanned and sculpted using modern software and technology to fabricate a modern monument.
Why
In 2021, the public art and history group Monument Lab researched over 48,000 statues, plaques, parks and obelisks across the United States. In its report, the group found that fewer than one percent of these works were of people of color. Only five individuals represented were Black or Indigenous people. This lack of representation sends a clear message of exclusion.
We hope that this monument can be viewed as a tool to help generate a more complete and honest narrative. As the Monument Lab report concluded, “Through new forms of monumental affirmation, creativity and resistance, we can repair and reimagine how history lives with us every day.”
Monument Lab Mission
Augmented Reality-Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. AR can be defined as a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. All artworks on the property will be enhanced with Augmented Reality and QR codes that link to online aspect of the artworks. Anyone with a smartphone or wifi connected iPad will be able to view the augmented reality content.
We will work with a creative technologist, digital archivist, and augmented reality (AR) artist and developer to add content to physical artworks at Wainer Woods. Users will download an app to view 2D and 3D AR components using a smart phone or tablet linked to WIFI. We are looking to have the technologist create Augmented Reality components for all Wainer Woods outdoor artworks to assist with engaging a younger audience.
Paul Cuffe Silhouette in Wampum- Paul Cuffe, (January 17, 1759 – September 7, 1817) was a whaler, abolitionist, a sea captain and businessman. During the Revolutionary War, he delivered goods to Nantucket by slipping through a British blockade by moonlight on a small sailboat. After the war, he built a lucrative shipping business with his brother in law Michael Wainer. They built their own ships in a boatyard on the Westport River. In Westport, he founded the first racially integrated school in the United States. Together, he and his brother John also fought in the courts against taxation without representation.
A silhouette is the only authenticated image that exists of Paul Cuffe. Wampum was the shell used most frequently by the Wampanoag tribe for multiple purposes. Using the silhouetted image, a select artist will be commissioned to create a mosaic of Paul Cuffe using quahog shells or Wampum.
Image of Captain Paul Cuffe
Programming
Wampanoag Classes and Cultural Experiences- Native language, arts and cultural experiences produced by Wampanoag tribal members to share with the broader community
Art and Seed Saver Residencies- with a focus on Wampanoag culture, preservation of natural spaces, and conservation of the watershed
Music and Dance Programming and Performances
Right to Farm-
Modern and historical Native farming techniques
Seed Saving
Growing medicinal herbs
Cooking and producing tinctures and homemade herbal remedies
Foraging
Creating products using local plants
Beekeeping
Preservation of natural resources
Wainer Woods will offer Pow Wows, clam boils, farm days, music performances, exhibitions and other events to attract visitors throughout the year. Ticket sales will support Wainer Farms programming in addition to attracting tourism dollars for Westport. The Wainer Farm Interactive Art Park is conceived as a destination for its art works, which emphasize engagement through sensory and visceral experience, enhanced by AR technology.