The Art of Collin Douma

2024
Skyline
Acrylic, Wood
1996 -

"Skyline" is an acrylic sculpture that captures the transformation of New York City's skyline over 6 generations, tracing its evolution from the 1920s to the 2020s. Comprising six distinct pieces—each representing a specific era (1920s, 1940s, 1960s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2020s)—the work reflects the intersection of architecture, memory, and time, offering a profound exploration of the city as both a physical and symbolic space.
Skyline is an acrylic sculpture series that captures the transformation of New York City's skyline over 6 generations, tracing its evolution from the 1920s to the 2020s. Comprising six distinct pieces—each representing a specific era (1920s, 1940s, 1960s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2020s)—the work reflects the intersection of architecture, memory, and time, offering a profound exploration of the city as both a physical and symbolic space.
The Concept:
New York City’s skyline is more than an arrangement of buildings; it is a living narrative of human ambition, resilience, and progress. Each iteration in Skyline embodies the socioeconomic, cultural, and technological changes that have defined the city and its inhabitants over generations. From the Art Deco spires of the early 20th century to today’s sleek steel-and-glass towers, the skyline chronicles a dialogue between past and future, between personal memories and collective history.
Artistic Vision:
In Skyline, I focus on subtle yet significant architectural shifts that reveal the broader narrative of a city constantly evolving. The work invites viewers to consider the spaces they inhabit and the memories they hold. By tracing the skyline every two decades, the sculpture captures not only physical transformations but also the generational memory encoded within the city’s structures. These memories, passed down through stories, photographs, and lived experiences, imbue the skyline with layers of meaning, connecting the dreams of past generations to the aspirations of the present and future.
Memory and Connection:
Memory is central to Skyline. By juxtaposing distinct eras, the sculpture invites reflection on the interconnectedness of time, architecture, and identity. It prompts viewers to consider their own connection to New York City and how the spaces we occupy hold the imprints of those who came before us. The work also underscores the importance of preserving and passing on these collective memories, ensuring that the essence of the city remains constant even as its skyline continues to change.
Conclusion:
Skyline is both a tribute to and a meditation on New York City—a city defined by its ability to adapt, rebuild, and inspire. Through this visual narrative, I aim to celebrate not just the skyline itself but the spirit of the people who shaped it, exploring how we remember, create, and pass down the stories that define our shared human experience.