Artist: Jose Rodriquez
Date: 2006
Material: Granulated recycled rubber
Location: John Daniels School courtyard. 569 Congress Avenue.

Jose Emilio Rodrigeuz, an artist form Hollis, New York, completed his conceptual work, You are Order, I am Chaos...for the construction of the new John C. Daniels School, which was dedicated on November 12, 2006.

Installed in the open air courtyard of the school, You are Order, I am Chaos...suggests a physical and metaphorical center for the school. Large blue rubberized surfaces decorated with flowers (symbolizing youth) placed within concentric bands offers students the opportunity to become a part of the work of art - by walking over and standing on - these special spaces. The design of this artwork is based on a grid system designed by the architects. The flowers actually are placed specifically on the meeting points of the circular bands and axis of the grid.

Not surprisingly, the color blue was chosen for the large circular areas, which suggests large bodies of water to provide an intended effect of "tranquility" on the viewers. In addition, the artist hoped to bring to mind the effect teachers have on their students, much like a stone thrown into a body of water, whose ripples continue outward, affecting everything in its path. Further, the artist described the circles as representing students' thirst for knowledge, which is quenched by learning.

Rodgriguez believes that art can help create a sense of pride in place and a feeling of ownership, and that Daniels School students will be invigorated by these works.

The last part of the work of art, a mural, is seen through the glass walls of the courtyard, and was designed to inspire students' artistic pursuits.

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