Ep. 22 -Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Art and Basketball with Jeremy John Kaplan

In this episode, Angela interviews Jeremy John Kaplan, a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist. He centers his practice on public space as a site of collective endurance. Best known for The Gold Nets Project, an ongoing intervention installing gold basketball nets on community courts since 2005, Jeremy reframes shared spaces as environments where care is practiced collectively. The conversation covers Jeremy's background as an artist and ball player, his love for graffiti, his art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park, and his involvement with the Hoop Bus. It also delves into the significance of the Hoop Bus and its impact on the community. The conversation covers the experiences of the Hoop Bus team in New York, their interactions with law enforcement, the impact of the Hoop Bus on communities, and the broader cultural significance of basketball. It also delves into the unexpected encounters and connections made through the Hoop Bus, as well as the future initiatives and expansion of the project. Takeaways Art and basketball have been integral parts of Jeremy's life since his adolescence. Graffiti is a form of expression that seeks recognition and visibility, echoing a human desire to leave a mark. The Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship and the installation project aim to bring art to the community and make it more accessible. The Hoop Bus serves as a social sculpture, spreading joy and creating imaginative experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Community Impact Cultural Significance of Basketball Chapters 00:00 Art and Basketball: A Dual Passion 06:10 Art Installation at Socrates Sculpture Park 22:12 The Impact of the Hoop Bus 29:11 Hoop Bus Interactions with Law Enforcement 39:22 Future Initiatives and Expansion Connect with Jeremy: Instagram: @jeremyjohnkaplan Instagram: @thehoopbus  Visit his new art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria 11101) @*socratespark on Instagram* Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn:   / angela-lewis   Website: http://angelarlewis.com  Email: mailto:[email protected]