A New Art Space

Posted by Adriel Contreras in Visual Arts

As a community of artists, we often create connections in the spaces where—and the people with whom—we work. Since Manhattan started filming last March, the painters and artists have been moved from their old work space in the Barracks to primarily use as their main painting facility the second story of Alexis Hall, which is predominantly the graphic design building. Jackalope spoke with a few of the artists about their experiences in the new space.

Dylan Tenorio, a junior Studio Arts major, considered the new facility a crowded space with low ceilings.

“The space can be a bit crowded, and there are a lot of us here sometimes.” Another concern he brought up is that supplies can go missing, which he says was less common in the old facility. He does, however, enjoy having the digital lab downstairs. “Sometimes I go down there and do some digital work; it’s really convenient.”

Omar Lazri, also a junior Studio Arts major, really enjoys the facility’s aesthetic.

“It has a very eastern New York look with the bricks and the length,” he notes. But he also really misses the Barrack’s higher ceilings, which allowed him to work with taller pieces. He also thinks that the new facility can get too hot when everyone is there working or doing class.

Phat Le, a junior Fine Arts major, really misses his old painting space.

“I had grown very attached to the old space,” he says. “I worked there all the time.” Le also thinks that the space is very small for his style, but he is learning to work with it for the time being. “I am used to making big artwork and the older space in Tishman was perfect for me.”

Ryan Roberson, a Junior Studio Arts major, thinks that the new space has bad lighting and is much more cramped compared to the old facility. She also spoke about not feeling too comfortable leaving her materials out. “I personally don’t like this new space. The other building was much bigger and had much better lighting.”

Kevin Bouton-Scott, a first semester Studio Arts major, never knew the other facility. He is a very reclusive artist who enjoys his privacy—and he really enjoys the space in Alexis Hall. “I can stay here all night to work, often I do.” He would simply advocate for the card readers to work after hours so that he can come work more conveniently. He would also like more lockers to contain materials and supplies.