Alex Strada Opposes NIMBYism in Urban Development
# **Collective Mobilities: Art and Social Responsibility in Addressing Homelessness**
The intersection of art and activism has long been a powerful space for addressing social issues. **Alex Strada**, a Pratt fellow and public artist-in-residence with the **New York City Department of Homeless Services**, exemplifies this dynamic through her latest exhibition, *Collective Mobilities*, at **DeKalb Gallery, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn**. The show invites visitors to rethink their role in providing aid to those experiencing homelessness, demonstrating that collective efforts—rather than just institutional action—can bring about meaningful change.
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## **Art as a Vehicle for Social Change**
Upon entering *Collective Mobilities*, visitors are greeted with an immersive space that feels just as much like a **community hub** as it does an art exhibition. Strada’s work goes beyond visual representation; it is **functional, direct, and participatory**. A standout feature of the exhibition is the **Mutual Aid Mobile sculptures**, designed in collaboration with architect **Ekin Bilal** and fabricated by **Yasunari Izaki** at Pratt’s woodshop. These structures aren’t just aesthetics—they serve as **mobile distribution hubs** for essential items like clothing, hygiene products, and more.
Every Saturday, Strada **wheels these mobile sculptures outside** to distribute donations to nearby shelters, transforming art into an **act of service**. This act asserts that supporting the unhoused is not just the job of government organizations but a **collective responsibility** shared by society.
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## **Mapping Inequality: Understanding the Systemic Issue**
Unlike most traditional art shows, a central component of *Collective Mobilities* is a **series of maps pinned to the gallery walls**, developed in collaboration with **Pratt School of Information professor John Lauermann** and graduate assistants **Yuanhao Wu and Nathan Smash**. These maps **visually narrate** the social and economic inequalities surrounding homelessness in New York City.
Key insights from these works include:
– **Shelter Density**: Certain neighborhoods, such as **Highbridge in the Bronx**, contain disproportionately high numbers of shelters, while wealthier areas, such as **Manhattan’s West Village**, have none.
– **311 Calls on Homelessness**: Neighborhoods with **fewer shelters** receive **more complaints** about unhoused individuals, highlighting the **disconnect between resources and societal attitudes**.
– **Housing Vacancy Rates**: Data shows that areas with excessive luxury apartment developments often **correlate with fewer shelters**, leading to **greater housing insecurity** for lower-income residents.
These maps provide a **data-driven argument** against the prevailing narrative that homelessness stems purely from **individual choices or failures**, instead highlighting the **systemic nature** of housing insecurity.
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## **Reshaping Perception Through Art**
One of the most compelling aspects of *Collective Mobilities* is how the **sculptures reflect broader social narratives**. Each **mobile structure** is modeled after **Brooklyn’s skyline**, translating real urban landscapes into symbols of **mutual aid and care**.
The sculptures’ **color palette—teal, navy, and ochre—**is simultaneously striking and warm, intentionally designed to **capture attention without invoking pity**. Mirrors incorporated into these pieces allow viewers to see themselves within the work, symbolizing the **interconnectedness of all people** in civic responsibility. Unhoused individuals can also use these mirrors to try on donated clothing—an often-overlooked component of **restoring dignity** in aid work.
Strada ultimately challenges the social conditioning that prompts many to **ignore or avoid** those experiencing homelessness. She advocates for a **shift in perception**, where the act of aid is not just about **charity** but about **empowerment and shared humanity**.
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## **A Call to Collective Action**
Beyond the physical exhibition space, *Collective Mobilities* extends its reach through an **interactive online mapping project** available for public access. This digital expansion allows viewers to explore data on **homelessness, economic disparity, income levels, and racial demographics**, reinforcing the broader societal structures at play.
Strada’s exhibition argues that the responsibility to address homelessness **should not be outsourced solely to institutions**, but rather embraced by everyone. By incorporating **art, data, and tangible aid**, *Collective Mobilities* ignites **critical conversations** and **tangible actions** toward a **more just and compassionate society**.
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## **Final Thoughts**
*Collective Mobilities* is not only a testament to the power of socially engaged art but also a blueprint for **how communities can come together** to address **systemic issues** like homelessness. By blurring the lines between **art, activism, and aid**, Alex Strada presents a transformative model of **mutual care**—one that challenges societal norms and calls for collective responsibility.
Strada reminds