David FontanaW 51st St between 6th Ave and 7th AveHeart Three · Location 227 · Drawn March 2003Hover over or select the image to reveal a hidden view.PhotographsDownload photograph 1Download photograph 2Download photograph 3Download photograph 4Download photograph 5Download photograph 6Download photograph 7Download photograph 8Download photograph 9Video podcast0:00This location is on a pillar west of 6th Avenue on West 51st Street.0:05On the north side of the street are a collection of seven square pillars bordering a corporate plaza that's open to the public.0:15Our drawing was done in the center pillar of this collection, on the surface facing into the building.0:20This plaza is a clearinghouse of geometric shapes.0:23Circles, squares, and rectangles take the shape of tables, sitting spaces, and trash cans.0:32On the side of the column facing onto the street is a plaque that reads0:36Scott Burton, Equitable Center, Urban Plaza South, 1985-86.0:43This is David Fontana. He was drawn in March of 2003.0:48His drawing is counting ten people.0:51Andrew drew David Fontana in a quiet plaza across from Radio City.0:56This peaceful open space was punctuated with circular concrete stools and tables.1:02Andrew's drawing on the building's column abutting the plaza was very much a proper fit.1:07As we were leaving, we found a drinking fountain on a nearby column.1:11This gift of water was a welcome surprise, and we lined up for a drink.1:15The water did not flow.1:16But with our head lowered to drink, you could clearly read the plaque.1:21In memoriam, Scott Burton, 1939-1989.1:26The college website, middlebury.edu, offers this glimpse into his career.1:32Burton was committed to making public art throughout his career, even though his first works were decidedly anti-establishment.1:39Performances on New York City streets during the late 1960s evolved into furniture tableau,1:45using chairs as surrogates for human forms.1:48Not until 1977, however, did his unique synthesis of sculpture and furniture appear in New York galleries.1:55Discovering Scott Burton has helped explain the connectivity of the space,1:59but I am sure that the non-functioning Memorial drinking fountain would not sit favorably with him.2:05David Fontana was a man's man.2:09He volunteered his time for the Boy Scouts, he read to children.2:11He worked tirelessly to find the names of firefighters who had fallen in World War II2:16so that dedication plaques could be hung in the firehouses where they had served.2:21A trained sculptor, Mr. Fontana was known for his elaborate Halloween costumes2:25he and his son wore in the annual neighborhood parade.2:29You know David Fontana? I didn't ask the other day.← Location 226Heart Three · Location 227Location 228 →
