Creative Expression and Cultural Dynamics in Washington Square Park

Today my thoughts and feelings about Washington Square Park are entirely different than they were a mere three and a half months ago. I have loved, laughed, cried, painted, written, photographed and created in the park. I have observed couples breaking up, making up, grandmothers pondering, resting, students drawing, children running and friends enjoying each others company. Based on my experiences, Washington Square Park represents a place where thoughts and emotions can fly high, low and anywhere in between. These sometimes conflicting feelings seem to foster dynamic and novel forms of expression that seem to emanate from a somewhat mysterious place in my imagination. Whether skimming through a book about Abstract Expressionism that I picked up from a sidewalk vendor or sketching an elderly woman’s impeccably wrapped turban; the visual aspects of the park represent visceral and vivid images of places and people. Exploring the Victorian material culture history associated with Washington Square Park has advanced my knowledge and tuned my perception of how the physical landscape of the park has evolved over time. Furthermore, spending time reviewing limited editions of Victorian style manuals in the Fales Special Collections reading room has helped me to gain insight into Victorian society and the material culture of the mid 19th century. Mr. Mike Kelly of the Fales Special Collection Department facilitated a rare opportunity to examine various catalogues of Victorian fashion, most popular among them: Le Bon Ton which was the preeminent guide to Victorian style in 19th century New York City. Lastly, I can say that my personal experiences in Washington Square Park and my in depth research for my final project have exposed me to myriad sources to gain both academic and creative inspiration for my life passions.