There is nothing wrong with your basketball court . . . do not attempt to adjust the picture.* Artist Sanford Biggers based his design for the Ninth Street Courts on the quilting patterns which have been inspiring his work over the past decade:
Sanford’s interest in specifically African American quilting traditions has been an inroad for the artist to link urban culture, the body, sacred geometry, and American symbolism. Biggers’ quilt motifs are influenced by the long debated historical narrative that quilts doubled as signposts along Underground Railroad escape routes throughout the 19th century.
Sanford Biggers’ approach to incorporating these motifs into public art honors the rich history of African American quilting as well as serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and creativity of those who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad.
And you thought it was just a basketball court. The above quote is from Jamilee Lacy, former director and chief curator of the Providence College Galleries with whom she co-founded two cooperative organizations: Interlace Grant Fund and the one responsible for this project, My Home Court. She has since relocated to the west coast.
These new courts are not easy to photograph; the aerial view Mr. Biggers has posted on his IG page makes this basketball court quilt much easier to comprehend.
Whether this design will enhance one’s hoop skills I can not say . . . I never had any. Ditto for tennis and quilting. But I do like art and this is an exciting addition to the neighborhood and the city. In keeping with the current trends, the tennis court artwork includes new pickleball lines. I will take their word for it.
We have already written about the Fargnoli Playground designed by RISD grad and member of the Forcefield collective, artist Jim Drain, as well as the Cranston Street courts executed by Andrea Bergart (who has created a line of basketball bags).
These new ourts are just up from North Main Street, across the street from Empire Guitars. Google maps has the ‘before’ picture.
Ninth Street Courts, 21 9th Street, (directions)
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This angle, facing west towards North Main Street, gives a better overall view. And now that I look, I think I do see the pickleball lines . . . which is another sport I do not play.
* . . . we will control the horizontal, we will control the vertical . . . The Outer Limits.