Greenwich Village, long a hot-spot for art and architecture, will play host to In Plain Sight, an immersive animal-themed public art exhibit from June 10-12. The exhibit inspired by the unique history of animals in art and architecture in the neighborhood is a celebration of the resilience, courage and creativity of New Yorkers of all walks of life.
“We wanted to create an exhibit that felt joyful, while being interesting for all ages in our community,” shared Rachel Brandon, the Marketing and Events director for the Village Alliance Business Improvement District. “This collaboration with both Kristina Libby and Gillie and Marc brought the opportunity to highlight numerous New York based artists who incorporate animals in their practice.”
These pieces are hidden “in plain sight” throughout the 8th Street corridor and can be found in abandoned storefronts, hidden along the street, and in shops and restaurants. The intent is to mimic, in a way, the scavenger hunt popularized in the early 1990s by an illustrious organization known as the 7A (American Association for the Advancement and Appreciation of Animals in Arts and Architecture). This organization would take members on tours to spot Local artists who have created animal pieces inspired by and in response to their lives in New York City.
Items include three temporary public art installations in Astor Place by Kristina Libby that bring to life a new series of animals known as Chunkos. The Chunkos were created as a universe of animals based on keystone animals. These big apex animals created whole ecosystems by being themselves. Utilizing animal forms within modern cultures and textures, Libby’s work draws attention to and invokes conversation with the concepts illuminated within the animal works. The Chunkos reappear in different mediums and activities throughout the 8th Street Corridor.
“Last year, I created a COVID-19 Memorial Project known as the Floral Heart Project and this year, I wanted to create something more joyful and inspiring,” shared Libby. “The Chunkos are help the world by being themselves. That was a message I really wanted to share with everyone and inspire people to do the things that come naturally to them in service of the world around them. Art is a powerful form of activism and these characters help to connect with people of all ages”
Joining Libby are numerous artists, including:
- Natale Agdnot, a Franco-American artist who uses abstract drawing and sculpture to explore cognitive bias and logical fallacy.
- Tim Cahill a writer and musician living in New York.
- Nathin Catlin a New York-based illustrator and artist.
- Katerina Christina a Greek-American fine artist based in New York City whose moving street photography focuses on slowing down to appreciate the small but powerful moments we often miss while consumed in technology and the stressors of everyday life—the quiet moments in the chaos.
- Ilena Doble Hernandz, whose socially conscious practice expands to photography, video, installation and new media.
- Alexandra Jamieson a New York City-based watercolor and multimedia artist whose paintings have earned acclaim for their blend of natural, astronomical, and urban elements.
- Mija Jung a painter in New York and Berlin whose abstractions center on empowerment, with colors and emotions.
- Katherine Kessler a sculptor and artist working in New York City.
- Jean Poh a ceramics artist, jewelry designer and executive living in New York.
- Elizabeth Pillsbury a ceramic artist, a historian and a teacher who is deeply interested in how people create meaning and beauty within their environment.
- And, Wren Macdonald a ceramic artist and illustrator living and working in New York City.
On Friday, June 10th, there will be an interactive public art painting exercise with Libby at Astor Place from 5-7pm. Curious artists of all ages are welcome to join as she paints in real time with the help of the community the inaugural animals in her Chunkos series.
The Village Alliance:
The Village Alliance, a business improvement district (BID), has proved itself to be a leading advocate for the Village community for nearly thirty years. The Alliance works to keep the area safe, clean and beautiful by providing programming, maintenance, public safety and landscaping to 44 blocks in Central Greenwich Village. The BID works with businesses, residents and cultural and academic institutions to drive economic growth.
Kristina Libby (b. 1984, Damariscotta Maine) is an artist based in New York City. Her work is an ongoing investigation into the profound experience of being human. Through sculpture, design, public art and fine art, she utilizes surprise, whimsy and disconnections to cultivate a sense of curiosity and playfulness.
Her work has been discussed and reviewed in the New York Times, Washington Post, NY Post, NY Magazine, NBC, ABC, FOX amongst many others. Notably, her public art series “The Floral Heart Project” was cited as the catalyst for the introduction of COVID-19 memorial legislation in both the US Congress and with the US Congress of Mayors.
In Plain Sight will be on view from June 10-12, 2022.
Wait…wait ~ there’s more in our Urban Zoo. Don’t miss the whimsical animal creatures in Murray Hill, on view to February 23, 2023; Gillie and Marc’s ‘Faces of the Wild‘ will be on view through July 31, 2022 on the Ruth Wittenberg Triangle;