Throughout the history of architecture there have long been grotesques faces and figures decorating our homes, buildings, towns, and cities. Gargoyles, Chimeras, Green Men, Stone Spies, Animals, and Monstrous Hybrids are just some of the types of faces that line our city streets. Their purpose and meaning has shifted throughout time and their interpretation is even more varied. Is their purpose to strike terror in our hearts, inspire awe, ward off evil, or are they a humorous and creative bit by the stone masons and artisans who created them? Walking through the city and looking up at these strange faces only one thing is for certain: they are speaking to each other, drawing inspiration from the figures and forms that came before them.
Figures of Architecture: A Living Archive of Grotesques and Mascaron Ornamentation is based on an open archive of figurative architectural grotesques, mascarons, and ornaments. The exhibition will include imagery and models of these architectural figures found throughout New York City. As part of this exhibition, we are excited to launch an open call for modern interpretations of the architectural grotesque alongside those that already exist. Learn more about the open call here.
Curators and Graphic Designers: Helen Sywalski and Michael Prisco
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This exhibition is made possible by
The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of Governor and the New York State Legislature.
-
-
In part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
-
Throughout the history of architecture there have long been grotesques faces and figures decorating our homes, buildings, towns, and cities. Gargoyles, Chimeras, Green Men, Stone Spies, Animals, and Monstrous Hybrids are just some of the types of faces that line our city streets. Their purpose and meaning has shifted throughout time and their interpretation is even more varied. Is their purpose to strike terror in our hearts, inspire awe, ward off evil, or are they a humorous and creative bit by the stone masons and artisans who created them? Walking through the city and looking up at these strange faces only one thing is for certain: they are speaking to each other, drawing inspiration from the figures and forms that came before them.
Figures of Architecture: A Living Archive of Grotesques and Mascaron Ornamentation is based on an open archive of figurative architectural grotesques, mascarons, and ornaments. The exhibition will include imagery and models of these architectural figures found throughout New York City. As part of this exhibition, we are excited to launch an open call for modern interpretations of the architectural grotesque alongside those that already exist. Learn more about the open call here.
Curators and Graphic Designers: Helen Sywalski and Michael Prisco
-
This exhibition is made possible by
The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of Governor and the New York State Legislature.
-
-
In part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
-