A new piece of public art celebrating Ballston’s past and present has appeared outside the recently relocated Harris Teeter.
“Present Pastimes,” a window installation by Brooklyn-based artist Olalekan Jeyifous, draws inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood to depict bygone buildings, signage and leisure activities, such as playing golf at a departed putt-putt on Wilson Blvd.
“It’s just really reflecting on the historic architecture, the building typology and tying it together with community and vibrancy and color,” Jeyifous said at dedication yesterday (Wednesday) at 624 N. Glebe Road.
The installation is meant to benefit not only workers and shoppers at the Harris Teeter, which moved from across the street last month, but also residents in the new URBA apartment complex.
“‘Present Pastimes’ serves as a focal point of URBA, at the entrance to Harris Teeter on Glebe Road,” said Mary Senn, vice president of Southeastern Development Associates. “It creates a space for social interaction and provides a shared experience for residents, workers and shoppers. Furthermore, investing in art within mixed-use developments contributes to placemaking efforts, creating unique identities for neighborhoods.”
The scene, which is backlit at night, is meant to bring “a playful nostalgia” to images from daily life.
“The result is an installation that acknowledges both the everyday and iconic historical architectural landscape while celebrating the ongoing evolution and transformation of this thriving community,” a placard says.
Jeyifous designed the art piece several years ago as part of the mixed-use development project on Glebe Road, which kicked off in 2018. However, yesterday was his first time seeing it in its permanent home.
“I’m very, very happy with it. I love it,” the artist said. “I hope the community is happy with it.”