The Department of Sanitation has a Sign and Print studio in the Central Repair Shop located in Woodside, Queens. Before things went digital, DSNY signs and vehicles were hand-painted and screen printed here. These days this work is done on computers to create vinyl lettering that gets adhered rather than painted on. As artist in residence, I was interested in revitalizing this studio and repurposing the equipment to create artwork based on the history of the department’s visual language. While exploring the old designs, I have begun a new series of remixed posters and signs that actively collaborate with DSNY’s history and recycle their materials.

Photo by An Rong Xu