Kōban (2020) by Christopher Robin Nordström
For almost a year now, the place where we live has taken on a new meaning. Our relationships with objects, people, pets, plants, and even solitude itself have dramatically changed.
I had the idea for this exhibition while gazing at Swedish artist Christopher Robin Nordström’s miniature sculpture, a 1:20 scale replica of a Japanese Kōban. I noticed a resonance between the Kōban—the centerpiece of the show—and many other pieces in my personal collection.
A Kōban is a small neighborhood police station. The police officers who work there have the mission to respond to emergencies and keep the citizens safe, but most importantly to give directions in a country where finding your way can be a common struggle. Affectionately called "omawari-san", meaning dear patrol officer, they are perceived as familiar faces and helping hands. Unlike a more imposing police precinct, a Kōban is a refuge, a shelter.
How does this connect the works in this exhibition? What unites a Japanese Kōban and a German brothel? How does a bedroom in Morocco relate to an isolated shed in the middle of the woods in upstate NY?
Each of the pieces I have selected for this exhibition describe our desire for intimacy in confined spaces: sometimes safe, sometimes dangerous. They highlight our personal tragedies and vulnerabilities. In a grander sense, they display our exceptional destinies and expose the profoundness of our collective story.
Before this show, all these artworks were living close to each other on the wall of my apartment without specific interaction. Now, they look at each other, answer one another, and communicate.
For this public exhibition I invite you to join me in appreciating these artists and enter into the world I typically share with my partner and a few friends. In doing so, I hope to rebuild some of the social connections that we have been deprived of for far too long.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Welcome, Bienvenue.
Lucien Zayan
Featured Artists
2fik, Mathis Altmann, Francisca Benitez, Malcolm Brown, Jean Christian Bourcart, Simon Courchel, Christopher Daniels, Danielle Durchslag, Nicolas Enriquez, Shannon Finnegan, Camille de Galbert, Ryan Frank, Oliver Jeffers, Alan Kleinberg, Noah Klersfeld, Steven and William Ladd, Anne Mourier, Stephen Morrison, Christopher Robin Nordström, Mac Premo, Naji Raji, Aaron Ruff, Alexandria Smith.
Health & Safety Policies
You are required to wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. It's very important for the safety of others.
Smile with your eyes.
If you're unvaccinated, please stay 6 feet apart from others. It's a big space, so it should be easy.
Keep your hands clean. We provide hand sanitizer and soap to wash them.
If you’re feeling ill, don’t come! We’ll be here to welcome you back once you feel better.
Please see our complete safety guidelines HERE.
On View
January 9–August 7, 2021
Admission
Free
Location
51 Bergen St.
Gallery Hours
Thursday–Saturday: 1–7pm
Sunday: 1–5pm