The Albright-Knox Art Gallery has launched a billboard public art campaign that has got some heads turning and people talking. The Public Arts Initiative features the work of Chicago-based artist and designer Matthew Hoffman, and was made possible thanks to a local partnership with Lamar Advertising. The “You Are Beautiful” billboards will be on display throughout the country until mid-December.
Already in Social Media circles, there are those who find the simple statement a pleasant change from the lame corporate ads that typically fill these spaces. Of course there are others who are not aware of the history of Hoffman’s “three words” that have made a larger than life statement across the globe. Hoffman began his “You Are Beautiful” guerrilla art campaign in Chicago, and garnered appreciation from the general public that dug the simple sentiment. Through stickers and graffiti, the message began to spread throughout the world, culminating with what is being considered his “most immersive presentation” here in Buffalo.
The Albright-Knox is embarking upon a series of public art works that are intended to “enrich” the lives of the people who live here. Hoffman has said, “When the phrase ‘You Are Beautiful’ is integrated into a city or community, it creates an immediate positive dialogue. I found that I couldn’t make this statement true with any other word than ‘beautiful'”.
Albright-Knox Curator of Public Art Aaron Ott noted, “This is such an important project for Erie County now, in this very moment. My family and I are new here, we feel the kinetic energy, the buzz of creativity, and a thriving arts community. I think this project further activates and broadcasts that. We are beautiful, individually and collectively as a community. My sense is that we are emerging from a chrysalis of sorts. That’s beautiful.”
Hoffman will visit Buffalo in November. To request stickers for a site or event, please email info@albrightknox.org.