Robin Hill: Popular Mechanics
Curated by Kathleen Gilrain
Gregory Barsamian, Robert Chambers, Aaron Davidson, Melissa Dubbin, Hermann Feldhaus, Bruce Fowler, Robin Hill, Perry Hoberman, Sheila Moss, Jonathan Podwil, Kate Yourke, and Mary Ziegler
May 31 - July 8, 2001
Smack Mellon
92 Plymouth St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Simple mechanics, obsolete technology and outdated science is adopted by artists who have in common a desire to investigate methods once used by industry, but now on the endangered species list. Popular Mechanics includes artists who use drawing, film, cyanotypes, video, animation, zoetropes, hair dryer blowers, motors, scanners, sensors, braille, bar codes and paint in an exploration of art, science and illusion.
Robin Hill creates a large site specific photograph and installation using the unusual architecture of Smack Mellon's 19th century. Cyanotype is a 19th century photographic process and was the precursor to the modern-day blueprint. Unlike the blueprint, the cyanotype is archivally sound. A two part chemical formula sensitizes the coated paper to ultraviolet light which allows for very simple exposures to take place in a studio setting. In her cyanotypes matter is translated into degrees of opacity and translucency which are the two dimensional counterparts to thick and thin. The cyanotypes document the gesture of placing physical matter on paper
Smack Mellon is a nonprofit arts organization located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Smack Mellon’s mission is to nurture and support emerging, under-recognized mid-career and women artists in the creation and exhibition of new work, by providing exhibition opportunities, studio workspace, and access to equipment and technical assistance for the realization of ambitious projects. We see ourselves as a vehicle whereby under-represented artists can create, explore and exhibit their creative ideas outside the concerns of the commercial art world, offering many artists the exposure and recognition they deserve.
Smack Mellon was founded in 1995 by Andrea Reynosa and Kevin Vertrees in their loft at 135 Plymouth Street. David Baskin, James Hong, and Tommy Bordonaro provided a wealth of creative and technical support that was instrumental in the early development of the organization. From 1996–2004, Smack Mellon evolved to present exhibitions in dynamic spaces throughout the DUMBO neighborhood, thanks to generous space donations from the Walentas Family and Two Trees Management. Smack Mellon found homes in both a former rubber factory at 81 Washington Street and a former spice factory at 56 Water Street. In October 2005, Smack Mellon moved into its current home at 92 Plymouth Street, across from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Built by Robert Gair and designed by William Higginson, the 1880s structure is a converted boiler house that originally produced steam, providing heat and power to other facilities in the neighborhood. Smack Mellon worked with Sage & Coombe Architects to transform the building and create a unique cultural space that provides free admission to museum-scale contemporary art exhibitions, studio workspaces, and educational and public programs.