Kiara Costa and Alex Sok

Utility box artist statement:

Collaborating on the design of this box was great because I feel like the concept of the design is essentially about two very different things coming together. I enjoy that the design reflects both the clashing and marriage of natural and urban life. Alex Sok’s creation of an earthy, goddess-like figure contradicts my commuter train design inspired by Alewife Station of the Boston “T” red line. The theme of the boxes are about Alewife fish, and while they are heavily present in our design, I like to think the bigger picture is about how we as a city affect natural life and what we can do to help support wildlife like the Alewife fish thrive.

About the artist:

Kiara Costa is a multimedia artist living in Providence, RI. Costa is self-taught and has been expressing herself through art since early childhood. Her greatest inspirations are drawn from pop culture, nostalgia, her community and her own personal experiences. Using mediums ranging from watercolor, acrylic paint and markers, and textiles Costa has created bold and colorful portraits of iconic figures. Recently, Costa has been able to turn most anything into a canvas; painting and drawing on USPS postage labels, bar receipts and embroidering on furniture.

Material: C2 Paint, Montana Gold Spray Paint

~TAKE A CLOSER LOOK~

Which elements stand out most to you? What do you think they signify?

What do you make of the contrasting elements within the artwork?

How does the work make you feel?