7 East 7 St

The five arch-filling security fences installed at the Foundation Building of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art do not disrupt or confine the customary use of the portico. Their cool silver mesh adds a note of contrast to the warm stone of the historic facade. Yet, they do form a new physical – and metaphorical – barrier. Five Fences suggests that the logic of social division is often opportunistic and incremental, emerging from and adapting itself to existing conditions.

Courtesy of the artist.

Photo: Jason Wyche.