Last night marked the second public activation of Layers of San José at Open San José. The sculpture continued to evolve as a steady flow of visitors stopped by to engage, contribute, and leave their mark on the surface of the “SJ” letters.
The activation took place alongside the Variety TV Show Extravaganza, bringing a mix of energy, performances, and people into the space. Throughout the evening, participants were invited to use blank stickers, paint pens, markers, and scissors to create and layer their own contributions directly onto the sculpture. Each addition became part of a growing surface — a shared record shaped collectively over time.
What stood out most was the range of participation. Some approached carefully, taking time to consider placement and composition. Others moved quickly and intuitively, layering color and marks in immediate response. Together, these contributions continued to build the piece into something that feels less like a single artwork and more like an accumulation of voices.
It was also meaningful to have family present. My mama, brother, sister, nieces, and nephew all contributed to the sculpture — adding another layer of personal history into a project already rooted in place and memory.
With each activation, the work shifts. The surface becomes denser, more complex, and more reflective of the people who interact with it. The piece continues to hold what’s added, while making space for what comes next.
More to come.
Learn more about the project:
https://nizzotes.com/layers-of-san-jose/
