Rafael Domenech in conversation with José Esparza Chong Cuy
Thu, Apr 9, 2020
On April 9, 2020, artist Rafael Domenech was joined by José Esparza Chong Cuy, Executive Director and Chief Curator of Storefront for Art and Architecture on Zoom to discuss Domenech’s commission for SculptureCenter. Originally scheduled to take place within the exhibition Model to exhaust this place (SculptureCenter Pavilion), the conversation was rescheduled after the museum temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
For his exhibition, Rafael Domenech created a large-scale modular installation in the ground floor gallery. Responding to the conditions of the exhibition space as a former trolley repair shop, Domenech used the building’s existing structure, in particular the tracks of an industrial gantry system, as a machine to produce and facilitate the work. Working with materials typically destined for construction sites, the work engaged with the urban vernacular of the rapidly growing neighborhood of Long Island City. Depending on the time and purpose of encounter with Domenech’s exhibition, the installation functioned simultaneously at multiple levels: as a sculpture, a decentered architectural model, a pavilion, and a venue for public programs and gatherings.
Sponsors
Model to exhaust this place (SculptureCenter Pavilion) is made possible by the Friends of Rafael Domenech.
Lead underwriting support of SculptureCenter’s Exhibition Fund has been generously provided by the Kraus Family Foundation, and Lee and Robert K. Elliott, with additional support by Jane Hait and Justin Beal, and Toby Devan Lewis.
SculptureCenter’s programs and operating support is provided by the Lambent Foundation Fund of Tides Foundation; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; the National Endowment for the Arts; Danielle and Drew Anderman; Andreas Beroutsos and Abigail Hirschhorn; Carol Bove and Gordon Terry; Irene and Allen Brill; Laren C. and Jesse M. Brill; Lee and Robert K. Elliott; Elizabeth and Adrian Ellis; the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation; Diane and Craig Solomon; Fred Wilson; the A. Woodner Fund; New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer; and contributions from our Board of Trustees and Director’s Circle. Additional funding is provided by the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation and contributions from many generous individuals.