Press Room

Artist Long-Bin Chen at Open Studios

A behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of art making, initiated by the Museum of Arts and Design

New York, NY (October 21, 2008)

With the inauguration of its new building on Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design presents Open Studios, a new public program that provides museum visitors the opportunity to get a behind-the-scene look into the artistic practice.

Artist Long Bin-Chen, whose work is shown as part of the Museum’s exhibition Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, will demonstrate his unique techniques during Open Studios on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Visitors may ask questions and interact with the artist.  Admission to Open Studios is free with Museum entrance. For information, contact 212.299.7777 or logon to www.madmuseum.org.

“Reflecting the Museum’s core mission of celebrating materials and process, Open Studios explores the creative process connecting visitors with working artists and  exposing them to the process of art making,” states Brian MacFarland, Associate Vice President of Education. “The program also acts as the bridge between our exhibitions and their broader historical and social context. Long Bin-Chen, whose work is exhibited as part of Second Lives, utilizes a unique technique to repurpose old books and paper, generating striking sculptures. We are thrilled that he will share with us how he develops his art.”

Creating an odd and extraordinary beauty, Long Bin-Chen carves figurative sculptures, Buddha faces, Aztec and Chinese Warriors and land maps out of stacks of books or paper.  Imbedded in his work is evidence of the rich Chinese tradition of written language and history.  Long-Bin Chen was born in Taiwan where he presently resides, after having lived and studied in New York in the nineties. The theme of the converging of Chinese and American cultures is central to his work, as is the notion of consumerism that now informs both cultures.

The Open Studio program also employs several New York-based artists and designers during open hours, Wednesday through Sunday. During this behind-the-scenes look into the artistic practice, visitors have the opportunity to watch the artists work. When studio doors are open (Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00-2:00PM and 3:00-5:00PM and Thursday 6:30 – 8:30 PM) visitors are encouraged to engage in a dialogue with the artists discussing process, materials, and concept or to join in the creative process by developing art objects with the artists.  

New York-based artists and designers who are working in the studios during the week are weaver Cynthia Alberto, sculpture artists Hilary Baldwin and Zack Davis, ceramics and glass artist Virginia Griswold, textile designer Michelle Hill, computer designer April Reigart and cold glass artist Erica Rosenfeld. Second Lives artist Jean Shin will demonstrate her techniques on Saturday, November 1 at 2:00 and 3:00pm.  

For images of Long Bin Chen, click here.
For images of artists at work in MAD's studios, click here.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN
The Museum of Arts and Design explores how craft, art, and design intersect in the visual arts today. The Museum focuses on contemporary creativity and the ways in which artists and designers from around the world transform materials through processes ranging from the handmade to cutting edge technologies. 

The Museum’s exhibition program explores and illuminates issues and ideas, highlights creativity and craftsmanship, and celebrates the limitless potential of materials and techniques when used by creative and innovative artists.  MAD’s permanent collection is global in scope and focuses on art, craft, and design from 1950 to the present day.

General Museum Information
2 Columbus Circle
(at 59th Street and Broadway)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212.299.7777
Fax: 212.299.7701
Web: www.madmuseum.org

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groups@madmuseum.org

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train to 57th Street and 7th Ave.
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