Facebook Open Arts commissioned Adia Millett to create a site-specific artwork at its headquarter in Palo Alto, California, addressing the issue of homelessness in America. Entitled Tent Encampment, 2021, Millett created the monumental work with 43 different colors and 94 shapes. Through her art, Millett asks Americans to remember that we are all connected, and together help the homeless and implement Change in the community.
Artist statement:
"More people experience homelessness in California than in any other state — at least 151,000 people, 75% of whom are not living in a shelter. California alone is responsible for roughly 27% of homelessness in the nation; 23% of California’s homeless population is severely mentally ill; 8% are unaccompanied youth under the age of 24. These harrowing statistics remind us of the extreme wealth gap present in cities like San Francisco, and the jarring contrast between the skyscrapers that form our skyline and the landscape dotted with tents below. Located in the Facebook headquarters Palo Alto, California, this mural is a series colors and shapes. While the painting is bright and colorful, the tent encampment is a stark reminder that one in every 588 Americans is currently experiencing homelessness. We must stop ignoring the growing number of people living without homes. What are YOU doing to create change?"
Exclusive interview with Adia Millett and the curator of Facebook Open Arts coming soon. Stay tuned!
Learn more --
https://www.facebook.com/watch/facebookopenarts/
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jessica-shaefer-facebook-interview-1945578
