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| Allan and Ellen Wexler |
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See Also Drawing
See Also Plaza Design
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Abstractions I.S. 254
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Completion Date:
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1999
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Medium:
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Framed building materials
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Dimensions:
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n/a
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Location:
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Intermediate School 254
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Address:
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2452 Washington Avenue, Bronx
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Architect:
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School Construction Authority
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Sponsor Agency:
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Board of Education
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Design Agency:
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School Construction Authority
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Located in the lobby of I.S. 254, Allan and Ellen Wexler's artwork features sixteen gold frames containing a variety of surfaces, colors, shapes, and forms taken from the actual surface materials of the school. The artists chose to present these materials in museum-like frames in order to isolate them from their customary context and function. Each piece has a descriptive brass plaque etched with a number. At various locations on the school's first floor, corresponding plaques indicate the location of the materials in use. According to the artists, the project is intended to encourage an awareness of the inherent beauty of building materials and to promote an active engagement with architecture.
About the Artist...
For 25 years, Ellen and Allan's research has resulted in objects, buildings and environments that blur the borders between sculpture, landscape, furniture and architecture. The Ronald Feldman Gallery in New York City has represented Allan since 1984 where he has had six solo exhibitions. Allan has had numerous national and international solo shows, has lectured internationally and has been reviewed by major art and architecture periodicals and newspapers. Allan has an undergraduate degree in architecture and art from the Rhode Island School of Design and a master of architecture degree from Pratt Institute. He has taught art and architecture for 25 years, currently in the Department of Architecture at Pratt Institute, NYC. Ellen has a B.F.A. degree in Arts Education and Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design. Ellen has worked extensively in the field of arts education. She has developed a design and architecture curriculum for sixth grade students in the New York City Public schools (1994-1995), as well as written The Art of Looking: Teacher's Guide, a publication for public school art teachers (2000). Ellen and Allan have collaborated on several projects including Tables of Content, site-specific picnic tables in Douglas Park, Santa Monica, CA (2000) and Learning to Look, an installation at the High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia (1999).
Artist Quote...
"Art by definition is not decoration nor a colorful, pleasant after thought. Integrating art into schools is a challenge and opportunity to open up eyes and awaken curiosities. These artworks focus on the subtle beauty that is there to be seen in this new construction. The students have a new school and we want them to really see it. We want to enhance their relationship to their school, by giving them the eyes of an artist." -- Ellen Wexler, 1999
