The end is nigh. With no Hercules in sight, the multi-headed Hydra better known as Essex Crossing is erasing memories all over the place. In an effort to assuage the inevitable, a final string of art exhibits is about to commence in the soon-to-be-former Essex Market space before it’s demolished.
In, of, and Crossing Essex comprises three artist installations by Sonia Louise Davis, Dillon de Give, and Hatuey Ramos-Fermín, and curated by Anna Harsanyi. Visitors to the institution will be able to explore and interact with the public and private histories of the Market through stories, perspectives, and lived experiences of the people who work and shop there every day.
At this time of transition, In, Of and Crossing Essex aims to visualize moments from the day-to-day life of Essex Market as it prepares to move. By engaging the market’s vendors, shoppers, Lower East Side and city residents, this project seeks to share with a larger public what transition looks like for different people, making visible the often unseen or under-appreciated aspects of Essex Market in the present.
Among the exhibits includes an interactive post card project, where you can send a verbal message to the city through a facilitator; a reusable shopping bag project, on which the quotes from business owners within the Essex Market will send their voices out further into the city; and there will be several workshops and public forums throughout the duration of the installation as well.
Check it out (and say goodbye) April 27-June 10. More specifics here.
Hatuey Ramos Fermín 