Press Release (.pdf: 27k)
Artist Bio
Sponsorship
Location
Project Main Page

mixed media

Semiprecious

September 29, 2004 - August 31, 2005

MetroTech Center, Brooklyn

Public Art Fund is proud to present a new exhibition of contemporary art at MetroTech Center. Semiprecious features works by Carolyn Castaño, Jennifer Cohen, Luis Gispert, Kirsten Hassenfeld, and Marc Swanson, each of whom use visually dazzling materials to explore themes of artifice, seduction, desire, exoticism, and fantasy. With a critical eye toward the precious object, these artists explore the elements of melancholy, romance, and sensuality that lie beneath the sparkling surface.

Rising out of the central lawn of MetroTech Commons, Kirsten Hassenfeld's Obelisk playfully addresses issues of luxury, ownership, sexuality, and public displays of wealth. The obelisk is a familiar form, symbolizing masculine power and conquest throughout history. In this case, Hassenfeld gives the obelisk a make-over, incorporating traditionally feminine elements of filigree and ornamentation. Replacing the heavy stone typically used in such monumental objects with translucent milk-glass acrylic Plexiglas, Hassenfeld creates an object that is both a monument and a bauble, blurring the boundary between public and domestic treasures. The obelisk is embellished with laser cutwork in the style of chains, cameos, and other jewel-inspired decorations. Cutaway arches on each of the four sides reveal a single Plexiglas rhinestone, tucked away underneath the sculpture.

Artist Bio
Kristen Hassenfeld lives and works in Brooklyn. Using clear vellum, paper, and other non-precious materials, she fashions ornate and elegant objects that she installs on pedestals or hangs from the ceiling like strands of gems. She received an MFA from University of Arizona, Tucson and has recently had a solo exhibition at Bellwether Gallery in New York.

Sponsorship
Semiprecious at MetroTech Center is part of an ongoing program organized by the Public Art Fund and sponsored by MetroTech Commons Associates, an organization that consists of MetroTech companies Bear Stearns & Company, Forest City Ratner Companies, JPMorganChase, KeySpan, and Polytechnic University. Special thanks to Forest City Ratner Companies and First New York Management.

Location
MetroTech Center is located in Downtown Brooklyn between Jay Street and Flatbush Avenue at Myrtle Avenue. Viewing hours are dawn to dusk daily for outdoor works, Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm for Carolyn Castaño's Nightbird in One MetroTech. Subway: A, C, F to Jay Street/Borough Hall, exit at Myrtle Promenade; R to Lawrence Street.