To see New Yorkers’ bucket list, read the writing on the wall.
A half-block stretch of black plywood at the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn is recording what passersby would like to check off by the time they permanently check out, as part of an art installation bearing the words, “Before I die . . .’’
Hundreds of people have already scrawled down their thoughts in supplied white chalk, suggesting everything from the philosophical “Live like I’m dying” to the superficial “Have a threesome” to the sports-themed goal of “Become a WNBA player.”
“It’s got the stuff that everyone wants to do: publish a book, open a clinic in Sudan,” said Brooklyn resident Tucker Legerski, 22, as he passed the art installation yesterday.
“It’s the stuff that really matters. It tears down your little worries and makes you want to be a better person. It inspires you.”
The wall, created by New Orleans-based artist Cindy Chang, was erected outside the site of a future Shake Shack, which sponsored it. It’s been up for eight weeks and is scheduled to come down tomorrow.
A placard at the site reads: “Before I die transforms neglected space into constructive ones where people can discover the aspirations of those around them. What desires do you hold dearest? What is your greatest ambition? What do you want for those you love? Here you can share your individuality with the city.”
As the wall filled up in the past two months, it has been wiped clean for new rounds of dreamers to etch their life desires.
“It’s motivating. I enjoy the wall every time I come,” said unemployed Brooklyn resident Helena Wilson, 50, who had previously shared on the wall: “Before I die, I want to own a business.”
Yesterday, the wall had fallen victim to its own popularity — the chalk left in baskets had been used up.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said yoga teacher Hortense Suleyman, 34, visiting from London.
“It’s like a little peephole into someone’s personal life. It’s lovely to see how many people are responding. There’s no space left. There’s a lot to do with love, being married and family.”
Some of the bucket-list wishes clearly come from those touched by tragedy, including contributions such as “I want my mom 2 4give me” and “Stop the guns.”
“This area of Brooklyn, if you look down the street, there are a lot of closed shops and poverty, but this wall is showing another side of people,” said Brooklyn photographer Caz McKinnon, 37.
“I see it as [a message] of hope.’’
Additional reporting by