Gator Sighting On Whitney Avenue

First the creature was a sort of gentle reptile, with bright foam spikes that exploded from its back. Then it was a spider, skittering along on hairy brown legs. Now, an alligator claws its way over the Farmington Canal, horribly lost and trying to make it home to Florida before the winter sets in.

They are all creations of the public artist Wess—that’s for “wonderful mess”—a local activist who has turned to public art in an attempt to brighten days and spark conversation across New Haven. After beginning public installations in July, the artist has asked to remain anonymous as they continue their work.

So far, they have focused their efforts on an above-ground pipe just beyond Audubon Street, where it rises out of Whitney Avenue like a reptilian creature from the deep. 

“I guess my hope is that some people walking by, it helps them have a better day,” Wess said in an interview Friday morning, installing an alligator with bright, vibrant scales and soft, big eyes that seemed more puppy-like than reptilian. “We’re such a rules-bound society, and maybe this breaks them, but it isn’t hurting anyone.”

They added that they see the project as spreading joy in a time that can feel emotionally exhausting to them. Drawing on their own work as an activist, they noted that “experiencing joyful things” can feel hard-earned, but allows them to recharge. That, and it’s a really quirky pipe.

Wess—the artist and pipe-monster bear the same name—appeared for the first time over the summer, one scorching morning at the end of July. At that time, the design was simple: seven blue-green and yellow scales, rising from the back of the pipe. It was accompanied by a drawing of “The Monster On Whitney” and short poem, scribbled in pink marker:

Hi! I’m a monster and my friends call me Wess
Because life can be a #wonderful Mess
Whether you are Black, white or brown
I am here to end your frown :)

If you are a migrant or from USofA
I’d be very happy if you would stay!
And if you are L, G, B, T or Q
It would be great to get to know you!

Whether you’re rolling in a chair or walking
Come say hi and let’s start talking!
Whether you’re homed or find yourself homeless
I hope that your day is full of bliss!

Whether you’re skinny, chiseled or fat,
Loving your body is where it’s at!
Sometimes we get mad and do something bad,
Make a change today and you’ll be so glad!

And as you can see, I’m a magnet for flair
So help me accessorize, if you dare!

“The goal was to send out a message of inclusivity, basically saying Wess cares about you regardless,” they said.

For the artist, who started the project after noticing that the pipe “looked like a monster coming out of the ground,” continuing into the fall and winter was a no-brainer. Each installation uses the same set of high-intensity magnets, meaning that no residue, glue or paint is ever left behind. Overhead is usually under $30, including used clothing, fibers and scraps of fabric. Each installation takes less than 10 minutes from beginning to end.

So far, no one has disturbed Wess, although a few of the magnets have disappeared. In the latest design, the pipe has been transformed into a full-fledged alligator, clawing its way along Whitney Avenue with small, chubby arms that stick out of a used wool sweater. A sign on his back announces his plight: “FL … or CT? I’m a poor Navi-Gator.”

As the project nears the six-month mark, the artist is calling for community members to join in and even start an informal “adopt-a-pipe” network, as a way to spread neighborhood connection. They don’t feel any ownership of the project if copycat designs follow: “Go forth and create!” they exclaimed in a follow-up email.

“It’s just magnets, and they stay there.’” they said. “There’s no, ‘oh, it needs to be bolted down because I’m afraid of my neighbors.’”

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist,” they added. “But with this, you can’t be. You just do it.”

The artist can be reached at wessthemonsteronwhitney@gmail.com.