Robots invading Georgetown
Despite its funky, sometimes punky past, Georgetown seems intent on erasing any artistic expression from its streets. Since its pre-1960s existence as a mostly Black residential neighborhood, the gentrification of Georgetown has finally reached its event horizon of total homogenized blandness.
Photo by Asad Walker
At one time, even post-gentrification, Georgetown allowed pockets of colorful self-expression: Commander Salamander, midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Junkyard Band performances, SMASH Records, closed streets for thousands of Halloween revelers, etcetera. Now the craziest happening in Georgetown is the announcement of the newest flavor at Georgetown Cupcakes or a sale on Minor Threat tees at Urban Outfitters. The eclectic small biz boutiques, boisterous nightclubs, and multiculti cuisine options are replaced by high-end brand stores and posh restaurants with menus that discreetly make no mention of price. If you have to ask, perhaps you would be more comfortable asking on U Street or in <shudder> Columbia Heights. Even the side streets, or maybe, especially the side streets, have been polished to a high sheen of insipidity, possible only when new money meets old. The 40-year war on the hip and unconventional was won by the preppy and proper.
Here is our cyberpunk savior, Professor Newton Howard! Looking at the theoretical brain scientist with his bow tie, shaved head, and fashionably round spectacles, Professor Howard's academic focus seems to be creating "theoretical mathematical models to represent the exchange of information inside the human brain.” As close as I understand it, that means using artificial intelligence to help augment damaged brain function. Did I mention that I'm an artist, not a theoretical brain function scientist?
However, when it comes to Georgetown and self-expression, Professor Howard's contribution is two large robotic sculptures towering on either side of his row-house doorway on Prospect Street. If you're up on your robots, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. Created wholly from, and ironically enough, actual car parts. Optimus, with his distinctive red and blue, Bumblebee and his armor matching the yellow McLaren 720s supercar, parked in front.
Photo by Asad Walker
This is definitely an unauthorized display of verve and color on this last residential block of a quiet Georgetown side street. We've got enough tourists traipsing through here to see the Exorcist Steps and House on the same block. The neighbors have spoken out at the local ANC meeting! The ANC has ruled that the sidewalk up to the outer wall of Professor Howard's house is not private property, despite the prior existence of large brick foundations that now serve as the base of these heroic robots in disguise. The brave Professor Howard has vowed to fight in court, if necessary, for robotic justice and artistic expression. The battle continues...
Perhaps this is a good place to get serious and talk about my belief in the importance of public art. Good street art engages the observer and creates an inner dialogue. Even expression that one may not find aesthetically pleasing has the effect of a good old kick in the seat. I believe public art (and all art) is like an animal mobile placed over a baby's crib: the color and movement alone causes the formation of new neurons and help foster brain activity and coordination. Wow. Maybe artists and brain scientists DO have something in common!
