Even for a self-proclaimed artist living in New York City, Manhattan’s Chelsea gave me a serious case of culture shock. There is art behind glass doors, art seen through windows, art on intimidating white walls, and art on the streets themselves. The Chelsea Galleries are a series of intimate yet intimidating spaces which barely recall their colossal cousins the MoMA and the MET, but that makes it all the more exciting when you find yourself drawn to a particular piece/exhibit (I guess I like the thrill of the hunt?).
Dormitory, Model 1:5 by Martin Honert (http://www.artnet.com/artwork/426285836/706/martin-honert-dormitory-model-15.html)
I found myself particularly enthralled with one of Martin Honert’s pieces at the Matthew Marks Gallery, Dormitory, Model 1:5. My attraction to this piece begins with my affinity for dioramas, as I love the implied nostalgia and sense of wonder such little worlds create. Honert’s dormitory model is heavy with eerie nostalgia; the bareness of it recalls the unreliability of even the strongest memories, and the light which emanates from the furniture adds an interesting paranormal effect.
(http://www.e-flux.com/announcements/comma-21-martin-honert/)
Additionally, a close up proves that the piece is gorgeous in its own right. Honart’s rendering of the wooden surfaces and manipulation of the material into dimpled cushions is impressive and elevates the piece from simply a diorama to fine art.
This was really interesting. I feel like I understand the piece better now.
It’s interesting that you enjoy the small galleries more than large museums like the MoMA and MET. The smaller context really can enhance the experience of the piece. I also like your interpretation of the diorama as a representation of nostalgia and wonder. I had thought it could be interpreted as a kind of cold post-trauma piece, but the idea of nostalgia is interesting. As a whole, the piece is really intriguing.