Remote, Badir McCleary’s video series on public art, opens with an ambitious statement from the L.A.-based filmmaker: “In a world full of vibrant creativity and captivating stories, there are secrets waiting to be uncovered. From towering sculptures to interactive murals, each stroke and structure is a testament to the boundless imagination of artists who dared to dream big.”
Created in partnership with NOT REAL ART, Remote transports viewers to hidden corners of the globe, where public art ignites conversation, breathes life into forgotten neighborhoods, and transforms entire cities into living galleries. On today’s podcast episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Badir Mcleary to discuss the filmmaker’s interest in public art as a force for radical change.
“Public art was a great topic for this project,” Badir tells Scott. “You don't have to worry about galleries closing. People can easily access what we're talking about. It makes everyone feel included. It's not, ‘Oh. Well, you might have missed it,’ or ‘You had to have a ticket.’ No. You just go.”
“Desert X,” the series’ first installment, sees the filmmaker toting his camera to Coachella Valley in search of site-specific desert installations hiding in plain sight of L.A. “Even though [L.A.] is bustling with a bunch of creatives and creative things, [...] there's just so much more out there,” Badir says, explaining the idea behind Remote and its first episode. “I go to a lot of places in search of art, especially out and around California,” he continues. “There's a lot of stuff that's out in the deserts and just an hour or two drive right outside the city.”
The second episode in Badir’s Remote series, “Aesthetic Information as Public Art,” transports viewers to the filmmaker’s hometown of Philadelphia, where murals and markers shape the city’s cultural and historical identity. “Philly, for the most part, is a mural- and graffiti-heavy city, filled to the brim with art schools and universities but no true art scene,” says Badir, who now lives and works in L.A. “It has completely done a 180 turn since my youth by providing more opportunities for arts-based activities and mentorship for emerging artists.”
Want a preview of the third episode? Tune into today’s episode with Badir McCleary, who gives listeners a sneak peek into the incredible stories behind the Remote series.