Swimming in Baltimore

Baltimore’s public pools are a place where people from all across the city come together. They can feel like a refuge as well as a great equalizer on the hottest days of summer. Pools have been a source of comfort as much as they’ve been a source of tension. We feel that the darker history of segregated pools should be remembered, while the progress that has been made can be celebrated.

By overlaying the swimming figures with a map of Baltimore showing neighborhood outlines, we aim to present the viewer with the juxtaposing feelings of connectivity and separateness that can come with living in the city. Part of what we think makes Baltimore feel small is the fact that there is a lot of vacant space spread over the vast square mileage. This lends itself to the formation of super tight-knit communities, as well as an intense bond and pride in our city. Depicting people swimming through the neighborhoods, over the backdrop of the night sky that we all share, we hope to evoke a sense of hope and optimism for both the present and future of Baltimore.