Harlem Biennale | New York

A Con (Temporary) Museum in Harlem.

  • As communities change and church congregations disappear, there is a great wealth (and poverty) of local places of worship. There was an opportunity to utilize existing artifacts and liturgical symbols to create temporary interventions that reach back from history and at the same time look forward to promote new culture in the arts through the eyes of Harlem.

    These spaces create a solemn yet culturally informative discovery by using the church nave as a living, breathing art space. Existing church pews are incorporated, celebrated and enclosed in a cage of steel scaffolding that creates a series of intimate art viewing 'chambers'. One is able to immerse themselves in the art viewing experience while witnessing the soaring spaces within this important place of worship.

    Also, located in a large, social space within the church, a series of foldable walls were designed to display the work of area artists. Above, a virtual 'fresco' system was devised using LED projectors that throw images onto a suspended scrim cloth to fill the space with light or images simulating classical details or the old museums or the world.

  • Client: Harlem Biennale, NY | Location: St. Martin's Church, Harlem, NY, USA | Total Size: Varies | Budget: Withheld Status: Concept, 2014

  • Collaborators: Edward Hillel, Howard Duffy | Background Image: “Allegoria dell'opera Missionaria dei Gesuiti” - Fresco, Sant'Ignazio, Rome, 1688-94 Andrea Pozzo

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2014.01.01 - James Perkins Studio Collaboration