Storefront 'Souvenirs'

Yesterday I stopped by the Storefront for Art and Architecture to check out Souvenirs: New New York Icons, which is on display until November 18. The most noticeable aspect of the exhibition design is the transformation of Steven Holl and Vito Acconci's iconic facade by MOS Architects. They cut into the hinged panels and inserted small windows whose surfaces are fairly clear at an angle but are mirror-like head-on. In other words, they created canvases for selfies (no, I didn't take one).





Those worried about the integrity of the Holl/Acconci facade need not fear. The thin fiber-cement panels were removed before cutting and are set upon the back wall for the duration of the exhibition. They are a backdrop of sorts to the "59+ objects that redefine New York’s iconic imagery." Other touches by MOS are the brick-like texture around the new "windows" and the blue flooring also in a running bond pattern. Combined with the gray model stands, the various parts give the feeling of a work in progress – like a transformation of the Storefront that halted in the early stages of construction.