Soft Spots
public art
2021-2022
Jeff Kasper, Soft Spots at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, Beach 84 (2021). Photo by Ronald Weaver II.
Jeff Kasper, Soft Spots vinyl floor decal (2021).
Jeff Kasper, Soft Spots at Stapleton Waterfront Park (2021). Photo by Ronald Weaver II.
—WHAT DOES SUPPORT FEEL LIKE?
Soft Spots is a brightly colored mindfulness path inspired by the playful style of self-help and mutual aid graphics that gained popularity on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subverting the language of "social distancing" signage, the text along the edge of each spot feature affirmations and questions for those seeking support and building community.
The installation is paired with a calming audio tour of guided visualizations that help to foster a sense of self-confidence and to decrease social anxiety.
Locations:
Queens location
Staten Island location
From September 1, 2021 through February 9, 2022, two iterations of Soft Spots were located in New York City at the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk in Queens, and Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island.
Soft Spots was commissioned by Art-Bridge, Meta Open Arts, and We The Culture, and presented by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks).
Download the press release