Yarn Bombing Rocky and the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Architizer News

Yarn Bombing Rocky and the Philadelphia Museum of Art

May 24, 2012

To many visitors and tourists to Philadelphia, the steps leading to the east entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are synonymous with the cinematic prize fighter Rocky Balboa. Sylvester Stallone most likely had no idea the scene would become a lasting cultural touchstone–the run up the stairs was only a small part of Rocky’s workout routine, which also included one armed pushups and using frozen hunks of meat as heavy bags. Yet, it was Rocky’s tread dash and victorious fist pump in the air that still inspires people to recreate the scene themselves.

Rain or shine hundreds of people complete this rite every day. In 2007 the Museum acknowledged the situation, and in an act of acquiescence to the public, installed a larger than life bronze sculpture depiction of the pugilist at the base of the stairs. The statue created a second spot for touristic photo opportunities and also saved many people the run up the stairs to prove their love of the fictional boxer. There was no need for exertion since most had come for some type of commemorative photo with Rocky, not the Art Museum. Continue.

Photo: Conrad Benner

Last April, local artist Jessie Hemmons, aka Ishknits, decided to give a little prod to those visiting the Philadelphia Museum of art strictly for a Rocky photo op. Hemmons wrapped the cold bronze statue in a bright pink hooded sweater she had knit herself, emblazoned with the directive to “Go See the Art”. There is no way to be sure if anyone listened, but the gesture was playfully suggestive, indicating a sense of humor and a willingness to break some rules in order to provoke a smile.

In addition to yarn bombing Rocky, Hemmons has wrapped trees in hand-knit sweaters and cozied train seats with knitted chair covers. Most of Hemmons’ projects could be considered illegal acts of vandalism, like graffiti, her installations are clandestine and done outside the legal realm. However, the medium of yarn, associated by most people with warm blankets, scarves, and grandmothers, seems to be less threatening to the public than spray paint.

Photo: Conrad Benner

Hemmons’ acts of creative intercession got the attention of Curator of American Craft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Elisabeth Agro. As part of the exhibition, “Craft Spoken Here”, Agro invited the artist to incorporate an installation around the entrance to the Perelman Building of the Museum. Hemmons contribution consists of large, neon colored crocheted swags across the doorways, an allusion she says to the bicentennial celebrations of 1876 which held expositions dedicated to American Craft. The façade of the building is also covered in large areas of crocheting that resemble a typical knitted blanket, and that the artist refers to as “granny squares”. Hemmons has not said how many hours she spent knitting, but as anyone who has attempted to crochet a hat or scarf will know, the labor involved must have been extensive. The hard work has paid off in an inventive work of bright, splashy colors capable of luring away tourists from Rocky. Or one hopes so, anyway.