Joyful Stitch
聚福时光
ใจฟู
Joyful Stitch by Ponnapa Prakkamakul was a temporary installation that aimed to bring joy and provide space to connect residents in the area. This interactive installation told the story of the place through the invention of the first sewing machine in Boston and the contribution of the Leather District and Chinatown to the historical center of the textile industry.
The installation included two large, interactive sculptures that came to life with light as visitors engaged with them. Each sculpture connected to platforms, mimicking the industrial equipment once used by fabric workers in the past. One platform faced the Leather District, and the other faced Chinatown, anchoring the installation to its historical roots and current surroundings.
Ponnapa believed in Muditā - joy as a shared experience that could pass on from one person to another. The piece offered a playful moment that people shared and invited others to share their experiences and on and on.
The installation also highlighted the personal stories of Leather District resident Larry Chan and former Chinatown resident Cynthia Yee, both with family ties to the garment industry. These narratives, coupled with visions for the future of the park gathered from resident workshops, formed the backdrop of the installation, inviting viewers to reflect on the past, present, and future of their community.
“Creating Joyful Stitch has been a journey of exploration and connection. I wanted to honor the textile history of Boston and also shine a light on the importance of community. By physically engaging with the piece, I hope visitors feel a sense of joy and connection.”
Photo provided by the artist
