Open

Open 
By Stephanie Simek

November 8 - 11, 2013

chashama 266
266 West 37th Street
New York, NY
(Between 7th and 8th Avenue)

Opening: Friday, November 8th, 6-8pm

This daylight saving time will bring Portland-based sound and visual artist, Stephanie Simek, to New York City where she will present a living signage display in an empty midtown storefront. Growing bioluminescent algae cultures for more than 18 months, Simek has created a neon-style sign that derives its light from these glowing single-celled organisms, which illuminate naturally when stimulated. The algae will appear dormant during the daytime as they photosynthesize, absorbing their nutrients from the sun, while at night will light up the word “open” as they cycle through a channel of glass tubing regulated by a pump and timer.

The storefront at 266 West 37th Street will be open from 6-8pm on Friday, November 8th, and the artist will be in attendance. The project will be viewable from the street from November 6th through the 17th. Suggested viewing times for optimal brightness is after 7pm.

This project is made possible with support from chashama and Oregon Arts Commission.