Joell Baxter, Color Collider, 2024, acrylic paint, cast acrylic, aluminum and stainless steel, PS 41 Addition, Queens ​

Color Collider is a site-specific artwork created by Joell Baxter for the ceiling of the connecting corridor to the new P.S. 41 Addition, Queens. The installation consists of nine sculptures each made with three transparent acrylic panels, hand-painted in bright complimentary colors that reference the principles of the color wheel. Triangular in form, the sculptures follow the tapered design of the corridor so that, as one walks toward the existing building, the sculptures become smaller in scale. The largest measures nearly 7’ at its widest point, while the smallest is about half that size. Each sculpture’s orientation and colors shift slightly from the one before, giving an additional sense of motion to viewers walking through the space. 

The corridor runs along the brick facade of the existing building, with windows on one side looking into the gymnasium and windows on the other side overlooking the play yard. Inspired by the organized play in the gym and the unstructured play in the playground, Baxter's work balances order and energy. Sunlight passing through the acrylic panels casts colors onto the ceiling, enhancing the visual impact of the sculptures throughout the day.