Community Corner

This Weekend, Love is On the Air

DOT's Urban Art Program summoning 'Aphrodite' to streets of Bed-Stuy.

If you're walking along Tompkins Ave. this weekend and see a giant pink television, don't worry — you're not going crazy from the summer heat.

It's actually the outdoor set and broadcast studio of Love TV, a mobile art installation that's part of the DOT's Urban Art Program. Those who register for the casting call online can be chosen to be interviewed by "Aphrodite" and share their stories of great loves they've known and how it's affected their lives.

"Aphrodite" is actually the stage name of Rebecca McIntosh, an Australian performance artist who talks to members of the public on the subject of love on a clamshell-like set. But volunteers shouldn't be nervous about being interviewed by a goddess.

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I look out for my guests," said McIntosh, "The first question I ask is 'Are you in love at the moment?' They might have a story of romance, or be passionate about what they do daily."

"It's endlessly amazing what people will tell me. It's bizarre, because they really will open up, I feel quite humbled by how people will open up."

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She started the project in her native Australia and toured a number of locales there before bringing her project to New York. In her travels she's interviewed celebrities as well as the public, and it was one of them who said something she found particularly memorable.

It was actor Rutger Hauer, best-known as the conflicted android antagonist from the classic science fiction film "Blade Runner," who told her, "Love will either feed you, or eat you."

Once the interviews are done they're posted to their website and on YouTube.

But if you can't make it this weekend, don't worry. Love TV is part of the DOT's Weekend Walks Program and will be visiting all five boroughs over the course of the summer.

For more information or to register for the casting call go to: http://bit.ly/LOVETVinNYC


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here