olek: crocheted jacaré alligator playground in são paulo

olek has created the ‘crocheted jacaré’ installation in são paulo, atop a playground on the SESC grounds all images © lost art

poland-born, brooklyn-based artist olek has created ‘crocheted jacaré’ for the SESC arts show 2012 in são paulo, brazil. developed onsite over the course of several weeks with the help of ‘crocheteiros’ crocheting collaborators, the project unites north carolinian acrylic yarn with brazilian ribbons in what olek calls a ‘multicultural mix’ that completely covers the exterior of an alligator-shaped playground designed by márcia maria benevento.

full view, ‘crocheted jacaré’

the project is part of the SESC arts show 2012, whose interventions are themed under the idea ‘memory of things’. the exhibition runs from july 19th – july 29th, 2012 across several buildings of the SESC (social service of commerce) non-profit cultural institution.

closer view of alligator head

detail on eye, woven through with brazilian ribbons

detail of crocheting around the teeth

additional view of the crocheted playground

the tail, complete with spine plates