NYC Gazette

Renowned artist and preservation architect, Jorge Otero-Pailos, has recently unveiled his public art exhibition titled "Analogue Sites" on Park Avenue. The exhibition features large steel sculptures created from the fence that once surrounded the former U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Otero-Pailos, who is also a professor at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, explained, "I was able to save the fence from the garbage heap by transforming it into sculptures. The fence thus acquires new meanings, while preserving the old ones."

Otero-Pailos's inspiration for the project stemmed from his involvement in the renovation of the Saarinen U.S. Embassy in Oslo, where he realized the historical significance of modernist U.S. embassies built during the Cold War. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, stating, "Any time we remove something from the built environment, we are potentially erasing important collective memories."

The sculptures from the exhibition are strategically placed along Park Avenue, engaging in a dialogue with iconic midcentury modernist landmarks in New York City. Otero-Pailos highlighted the unique design features of these buildings and their role in shaping cultural exchange, envisioning them as inspirations for future embassy designs.

In addition to the exhibition, Otero-Pailos created a book titled "Treaties on De-Fences," which contains bi-folded prints corresponding to the sculptures, symbolizing the art of diplomacy and fostering dialogue among different cultures. He expressed his hope that the artworks would encourage people to lower their guard and embrace cooperation.

Furthermore, Otero-Pailos is actively involved in educational initiatives at GSAPP, teaching a seminar on architectural fragments to explore the intersection of art, architecture, and preservation. He emphasized the importance of caring for existing structures and the role it plays in shaping the future.

Teaching at GSAPP in New York City offers Otero-Pailos endless inspiration and opportunities for exploration and innovation. He encourages students to take full advantage of the school's experimental approach to architectural and preservation education, which aims to promote a new ethic of care for the existing built environment.

As Otero-Pailos continues to advocate for the experimental preservation of U.S. embassies through his art and teachings, his work serves as a testament to the power of art and architecture in fostering dialogue and cultural exchange.