Signaling
The next generation’s symbolic messages for Charlestown and beyond
The flagpole features dozens of hand-made flags created by teens and youth from Lot Lab’s adjacent neighborhood communities. Sourced from four flag-making workshops led by Chelsea-based artist and educator Kyle Browne at the Keane Children’s Center, “Signaling” showcases a constantly rotating selection of community-made flags as a public artwork.
Presented in partnership with the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club and Charlestown Coalition’s Turn It Around Youth, Browne invited participants to create designs inspired by the history and symbolism of signal flags as communication tools for navigating the marine world. Responding to prompts such as “What do you want to say to your community?” or “Imagine you are signaling to another city, what would Charlestown say?” young artists created their messaging and symbols to help navigate the world we share.
The resulting artworks shown above illustrate the vibrancy and plurality of Charlestown’s younger residents by inviting audiences to engage with the codified stories, messages, and people that local youth consider worthy of commemorating, “Signaling” works toward bridging the gap between a historicized Navy Yard and the generation that will steward it in the future.
Join us in October to commemorate the closing of Lot Lab and celebrate the contributions of Charlestown youth!
Kyle Browne is a locally-based conceptual artist and educator. She approaches her work through a multi-disciplinary lens, finding richness at the intersection of processes, content, and in collaboration. Her curiosity fuels investigations of humanity, place, consciousness, and the natural environment, simultaneously expanding her skills to create and express.
Kyle Browne poses with Youth from Charlestown Boys and Girls Club and Turn It Around after a flag-making workshop on May 18th, 2023. Participants include Aidan L. 9th grade, Almir B. 9th grade, Cristhy A. 10th grade, Christian D. 9th grade, Destany S. 10th grade, Elizabeth M. 10th grade, Emanuel R. 10th grade, Ivy R. 10th grade, Rosilda A. 10th grade, Sue D. 10th grade, Zay G. 10th grade, and Miguelina A. 10th grade.
Banner + Album Images: (c) Annielly Camargo.