During a road trip this summer, I passed through Pittsburgh for a few hours where I discovered Mattress Factory, a wonderful contemporary art museum. Founded in 1977 by artists, Mattress Factory supports artists working in residence to create site-specific installations, videos, and performance pieces. The museum has presented new works by over 650 emerging and established artists from all around the world. Each of the five stories of the main building as well as its outdoor spaces (a rear garden and the roof top) exhibit extraordinary, often large-scale and immersive work that “allows artists to respond to developments in technology, explore audience interaction, and challenge traditional artistic ideals and practice.” The museum also shows additional work at two neighboring buildings.
James Turrell, who currently has 3 works on permanent exhibit at Mattress Factory, recently donated one of his signature Skyspaces to the museum (learn more here). They hope to inaugurate the work in 2017—yet another reason for me to return to Pittsburgh and re-visit this stellar museum. Click here for their website. Below are some highlights from my visit.
spherodendron, 2015, Bill Smith
Infinity Dots Mirrored Room, 1996, Yayoi Kusama
It's All About ME, Not You, 1996, Greer Lankton
It's All About ME, Not You, 1996, Greer Lankton
IRIS_SIRI, 2016, Kevin Clancy
Lining, 2016, Ian Brill
Lining, 2016, Ian Brill
Catso, Red, 1967/1994, James Turrell
Danae, 1983, James Turrell
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