The Bohen Foundation will open its latest commissioned project, a site-specific installation titled "End Station" created by Norwegian Ingar Dragset and Danish Michael Elmgreen.
"End Station" transforms the entire lower level of the Foundation into an abandoned, ghost-like subway station. After crossing the existing grating and descending the metal staircase, viewers turn a corner to find themselves standing on the platform, looking at the tracks, benches and signage of a typical New York City subway station, but one that has been stopped in time. Incorporating subtle hints of a bygone era such as a 1980s poster or tags of graffiti, "End Station" toys with our memories of a former New York, one that is familiar but indefinable.
In "End Station", Elmgreen & Dragset continue to explore their interest in location and site specificity. The installation is appropriately situated in the Meatpacking District, which has its own ghosts and few remaining pieces of history. With this project for the Bohen Foundation, the artists blur the distinctions between artifice and reality to the point that a visitor could walk into "End Station," stop a moment, and wonder if it is real.
Ingar Dragset lives in Berlin and has been working together with danish Michael Elmgreen since the mid 90s. They have had numerous exhibitions around the world, including solo shows at the Tate Modern, London, the Fondazione Nicola Trussardi in Milan, Portikus in Frankfurt, and ‘la Fundación La Caixa’ in Barcelona. They have also participated in various biennials such as Venice, Sao Paulo and Berlin. This spring they are included in a group show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and have an installation at the Wrong Gallery in Chelsea.
Preview reception on Saturday, March 12 at 6-8 pm.
When: Saturday, March 12 – Friday, July 1
Where: Bohen Foundation at 415 West 13th Street, NYC
Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 12 - 6 pm
Info: Call (212) 414 - 4575