#shared studios

Don’t be alarmed by the large shipping container sitting inside Lu Magnus Gallery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This gold structure is meant to fill their space, command attention, and incite questions. Installed for two weeks as part of the project Shared Studios,inside that container are foreigners, strangers, and curious people.

Shared Studiosis an early stage initiative conceived by Amar C. Bakshi that aims to connect people through Portals. These portals act as a gateway to another country – in the case of Lu Magnus Gallery, Tehran. After making a reservation, visitors are invited to step inside the box and have a live Skype session with individuals in Tehran, Iran who are at M-40 Studio.

Morgan Spurlock, right, gives one of Portals' shipping containers a test run. (Image Via Vulture)

While this iteration only lasts two weeks, Shared Studios has big plans. Envisioning these Portals as a global public art project, Bakshi aims to forge cross-cultural connections and introduce people to alternate realities. Originally conceived as an outdoor project, Bakshi sees these Portals, or gold shipping containers, outside in public areas throughout various cities and countries.

Bakshi told T Magazine, “The idea is to create a global network of these publicly accessible one-on-one booths. It’ll be an exciting cultural moment to have these big things in public squares.”

The outdoor, public element will add a dimension of discovery and surprise to these experiences, which will further enhance the virtual meeting of strangers. Even though my appointment was planned a week in advance, the excitement and anticipation was palpable before entering. Comfortable couches and friendly faces from the organization casually relax and chat before entering. The portal becomes an extenuation of a shared living room.

All I could think was - who would I meet? Perhaps my Tehran doppelgänger! At 15-minute intervals, striking a thorough conversation can be difficult, but even the casual questions hold weighted answers as you quickly learn (and try to understand) the differences between your country and Tehran – perhaps a place Americans will never truly be welcome.

Shared Studios has lofty goals – portals in many countries, portals in Ferguson, MI, portals at high schools – but these objectives are by all means possible, tangible, and necessary in our polarized global society. Portals can seemingly provide a safe space for dialogue allowing people, perhaps some who cannot travel, to experience countries and foreigners.

They are currently raising money to continue global expansion and further develop this concept; however, even at this early stage, they have welcomed many noted guests – CNN Host Fareed Zakari, Director Doug Liman, Dean of the Yale School of Arts Robert Storr, and Chef Kami Babai.

They have also created artist collaborations via this portal. People like Amirali Ghasemi and Mariana Olinger as well as Titus Kaphar with Yousha Bashir partake in joint art projects via the portal. This added element of creation and exchange further elucidates the possibilities of Portals.

Watch for Shared Studios to continue growing, expanding, and transforming as this notion of cross-cultural exchange becomes more prominent over the next few years. Where will they connect next?

Shared Studios is at Lu Magnus Gallery, 55 Hester Street, New York, NY 10002 until December 19, 2014. RSVP for a spot or give them a call (212 677 655)  to see if you can drop by and step into the portal.

Cover Image: Tomas Saraceno, In Orbit, Kunsthalle Dusseldorf, 2013 (sadly this has not been in NYC yet...)

December is upon us and amidst all the Holiday shopping and travel New York City has squeezed in some must-see art events you will not want to miss. We will keep you updated on how these lectures, experiences, and performances continue to expand traditional notions of art.

Photograph by Elizabeth Bick for Shared Studio.

Shared Studios – A Portal Between Tehran and NYC

Itching for some international travel? Connect with an individual in Tehran in a new global public art project, Portals. This joint endeavor, between Lu Magnus in NYC and M-40 Studio in Tehran, employs technology to connect distant places. Each portal is a shipping container equipped with specialized communications technology that will allow two individuals to converse as if sitting in the same room. Who knows, perhaps you will meet your Tehran soul mate, doppelganger, or intellectual counterpart!

Running from December 5-19th 7:30A – 1:30P. Reservations are required – sign up directly through their site. 

Mock Up provided by Park Avenue Armory.

Douglas Gordon – Park Ave Armory

Turner Prize-winning artist Douglas Gordon has transformed the Park Avenue Armory into a reflective field of water… Wait, what? For his installation tears become…streams become… Gordon transformed this historic building by filling the space with 122,000 gallons of water, thus creating a 27,648 ft2 field of water. Experience this monumental installation during the day for a contemplative experience or attend a performance with noted pianist Hélêne Grimaud during the evening. She will perform water-themed works creating a confluence of light, reflection, music, and sound.

Tears become… streams become… is on view from December 10 – January 4 with performances taking place from December 10 -21. Check the website for specific times/dates and to buy tickets. 

Tomas Saraceno, Cloud City at the Met, 2012.

Tomas Saraceno Lecutre – Guggenheim Museum

Tómas Saraceno is known for his engaging installations that encourage viewer involvement. Architecture, art, and natural silence collide in his immersive sculptures that take viewers out of their comfort zone. Saraceno will reflect on his unique artistic practice and shared interests with Zero artist Otto Piene – they both sought innovative ways to connect people with others and their surroundings. You will also have an opportunity to view ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-60s free for crowds. 

Join Saraceno Wednesday, December 17th at 7PM at the Guggenheim. Advance tickets required. Don’t miss a chance to learn what inspires this forward-thinking artist.