Bo Diddley Plaza, Gainesville FL

The bus stop in Bo Diddley Plaza is a through way and can not be confined to closing hours. Therefore, the police can not legally remove the people experiencing homelessness from congregating and sleeping. Instead of addressing the growing issue of homelessness, the city is redesigning the park and moving the bus stop. By removing the place, they are removing the appearance of the problem and relocating the people. My work documents how the figure occupies that liminal and transitional space. The hidden camera acted as surveillance to the unaware, and as a stage for the theatrical performance for the ones living in that space. The knowledge of the camera shifts social power dynamics of that space even if it is only perceived power. This sculpture was installed until the paramedics were called. The compilation of videos ends with the city employees removing the statue and the camera because it was also considered too much of a nuisance to the public.