It’s clear from Brooklyn-based artist Mark Reigelman’s website he has a sense of humor – his team photo is himself, cloned eight times. He has a sarcastic wit – shown in the number of times he references himself as awesome on his website (particularly on his about page). Reigelman’s latest project in New York City, Smökers, as seen on City Lab, places a white wooden cabin atopthe steam that comes out of manholes, often channeled through those ubiquitous orange and white striped vents. With the cabins, the steam is redirected up a chimney. In addition to highlighting the unique steam system of New York City, which both heats and cools much of Midtown Manhattan, Smökers meant to be subversive. But it’s also really adorable.
As written in the installation description, Smökers is:
Inspired by Reigelman’s childhood fascination and familiarity with small hand-made German objects (Räuchermann), the project seeks to redress the purpose of steam tubes, and insert the notion of whimsy and imagined narrative to the everyday. Räuchermann, also commonly referred to as ‘smokers’, are simple wooden incense burners, often resembling cabins, animals, and chimney sweeps.
The installation was placed in three site-specific locations in New York City, to force “spectators to reconsider the framework of a city’s infrastructure, and redress the functionality and activation of public space,” the description continues.
City Lab reports that the cabins are 6 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet and weigh 350 pounds. Reigelman tells the publication, ““It is my intention to install the cabin regularly throughout the year assuming I don’t get arrested or the cabin confiscated.” Here are some additional photos:
Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
