Storefront for Art and Architecture is a work of architecture that arguably has one agenda: to be a work of architecture (try saying that sentence ten times fast). It is the conscious experience of space it offers that makes up the bulk of its appeal, and because of this, seemingly every “normal” activity within its permeable concrete walls becomes somewhat difficult; crowded openings are hardly enjoyed without free wine, and lectures held there are usually muddled by the amplified sounds of downtown New York.

But what if Storefront’s exceptional space could double as something else, something non-spatial? Artist Allard van Hoorn provides one answer to the question in his first solo exhibition, Urban Songline. Van Hoorn has outfitted the iconic gallery designed by Steven Holl and Vito Acconci with crisscrossing strings tuned to different notes, forming a site-specific web that transforms Storefront’s unusual space into a large-scale musical instrument. The experience of the space—which has been doused in a coat of bright reddish orange undisclosed in these images—therefore translates into a separate, interactive acoustic experience. You can check out the opening reception for Urban Songline tonight at 7:00 pm!

Images courtesy Storefront for Art and Architecture.

Storefront’s iconic facade. Image courtesy Steven Holl Architect.

by Kelly Chan

posted in Events New Projects

tagged Allard van Hoorn, Art, installation, music, steven holl, storefront, storefront for art and architecture, Urban Songline, Vito Acconci

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