All Photos By Gail

If you think you’ve been to every kind of cool art gallery in New York City, from the LES to Midtown, but you have not yet been to Waterfall Mansion, then now is a good time to add a visit to this uptown gem of an art destination to your bucket list. Waterfall Mansion, a Townhome only open to the public for a few hours each Saturday (and the rest of the week by appointment only) specializes in unique exhibits by Asian artists, really does have a two-story waterfall inside, but to really appreciate that distinguishing architectural feature you need to go in person.

Now through December 4th, Waterfall Mansion & Gallery presents Interconnected, the first major solo exhibition of renowned Korean artist, Lee Sung-Kuen. Lee’s figurative works, which represent organic life and growth, are composed of thin, short-length wires and brightly colored knots.

The netted steel volumes that he produces juxtapose the heaviness of metal and the light, creating a fluid dynamic between shape and space that both penetrates and expands the space the work inhabits.

In an effort to harmonize material substance and immaterial space, Lee obliterates the distance between shape and space, and instead emphasizes the shifting mobility and elasticity of his pieces. In this way, the pieces do not form or become an object, but instead permeate and adapt to their surroundings, enriching the space around it and creating a unique sculpture of situation.

The sculptures do feel very organic and can be seen as perhaps having been inspired by sea sponges and aquatic plants as well as microcosmic material.

This cluster of three hanging sculptures reminded me of cocoons.

The Waterfall Atrium is also filled with colorful suspended sculptures. The look a bit like jelly bean-shaped clouds.

This piece is on the second floor and is the only one that is what I would call “representational.”

These look like a group of desert cacti.

This fun exhibit is a good introduction to the Waterfall Mansion aesthetic. Try to make it uptown before the show ends on December 4th.

Waterfall Mansion and Gallery is Located at 170 East 80th Street (Between Third and Lex) in NYC. The Gallery is only open to the public on Saturdays from Noon – 5 PM, so plan accordingly. Visit This Link for more information.