No Longer Empty Takes Hold of 215 East Houston
For the time being, 215 East Houston is no longer empty. Seriously. No Longer Empty, the organization charged with orchestrating public art events in vacant storefronts, is currently putting its mark in the empty retail space at the base of The Ludlow. The new exhibition is dubbed “About Face,” and will open Thursday night in conjunction with the Festival of Ideas for a New City.
This image has been archived or removed.
“About Face” is more of an interactive event that explores “alternative ways an exhibition can be created and received.” As such, this temporary show is not strictly relegated to 215 East Houston. According to the press release:
Artwork will be shown not only in the temporarily occupied storefront at 215 E. Houston, but also on the streets of the surrounding neighborhood and in the virtual space of the Internet or a smartphone. Some works will endure for the time the space is open, for instance artist Maria Jose Arjona’s performance is designed around the duration of the exhibition, while others will last only a few hours as in Itziar Barrio’s outdoor blue-screen installation.
Over the weekend, a team of artists was busy readying the interior. Painting pretty much every surface inside the storefront. A tiny sign in the door indicates what’s happening; tech savvy folks will also notice the QR code that accompanies the text.
This image has been archived or removed.
“About Face” opens May 6 and runs through June 12.
This image has been archived or removed.
Recent Stories
5-Story Bugs Bunny Mural on Ludlow Street
Here’s what’s up, doc. A new Bugs Bunny mural underway on the facade of 161 Ludlow Street, overlooking the vacant lot next door, The artist – the city’s own, Jerkface (aka Incarcerated Jerkfaces) – began work on the portrait yesterday afternoon. He is apparently aiming for Friday completion. Jerkface is known for reinterpreting classic characters […]
There is Nothing Left of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol on Norfolk Street
The arson attack against Beth Hamedrash Hagadol on Norfolk Street hollowed out the 167-year-old synagogue. Yet, any hope of the remains being incorporated into the planned development on its ashes is dashed. Just take a look. There is nothing left of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol. The tragedy compounded Monday morning thanks to the fatal structural collapse […]
Mayor Wants to School ‘Night Owls’ to Not be Drunken Idiots in Hell Square
The city yesterday announced a new “common sense” etiquette campaign targeted at drunk bar-goers for the benefit of area quality-of-life. Naturally, the pilot neighborhood is Hell Square on the Lower East Side, an over-saturated entertainment zone which boasts the highest concentration of liquor licenses in the state. Dubbed “Night Owl,” the initiative will disseminate kitschy […]
Partybus Bakeshop Officially on Essex Street; Opens End of Month
The party bus is parked and ready to roll. The bakery, that is. Partybus Bakeshop is an artisanal bakery opening in the former Chinese seafood wholesaler at 31 Essex Street. Upon debut, expect a “rotating seasonal menu [of] classics including breads, pies, and cookies by using the best ingredients the north east has to offer.” […]
Mini Rex Sober Karaoke Still Missing in Action
Nearly three years later, the Mini Rex/Juicebox Heroes sober karaoke concept is still missing in action. The fall 2018 opening, and later, a targeted winter debut, did not pan out. Spring bloomed and summer sweltered and still no launch on Ludlow Street. Much of the delay, at least initially, was owed to outspoken area opposition […]
