SVA / Hemlines from Skylines + 45 Degrees

The space, THE HUGH, is the interior atrium of the 601 LEX building, formerly called the Citicorp Center, redesigned recently by Bentel & Bentel Architects.

In this space are several newly exhibited artworks worthy of a visit. “Hemlines from Skylines” and “45 Degrees” are 3-dimensional exhibits by SVA students described below. There is also a large mural entitled Water Lilies ‘21, designed by famed SVA illustrator Yuko Shimizu.

Hemlines From Skylines
“Hemlines to Skylines is a tribute, a thank you, to the concrete and steel beauty we experience every day as New Yorkers. It is a reminder to stop looking at our cellphones and look up. It’s much more interesting. Embrace it!” – SVA’s 3D Design Chair Kevin O’Callaghan (2014 Art Directors Hall of Fame inductee), co-curator.

Hemlines From Skylines features designs by students from SVA’s BFA Design and BFA Interior Design: Built Environments programs. The inspiration for the show came from the infamous 1931 Beaux-Arts Ball where architects wore costumes that looked like the buildings they had designed. Some of those iconic buildings, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, were the references for the designs in this show. Some students were inspired by more recent modern-day buildings or significant New York City institutions, such as the Dream Hotel and the New York Public Library.
The sculptures are made of resin, fabric, a variety of metals and welded steel, stones, rope, grouted tiles, spoons, stained glass, and even Cheerios cereal!

This installation was co-curated by SVA alumnus and 3D Design Chair Kevin O’Callaghan and BFA Interior Design: Built Environments Chair, Dr. Carol Bentel.

45 DEGREES
What skyscraper in New York City has an angled top? Yes, of course, the “Citicorp” building, formerly the Citicorp Center, now known as 601 LEX, strikes a unique silhouette in the New York skyline. The 45° angled top, modern and sleek, stands in contrast to the 1930’s pinnacle-topped buildings.

The tower was designed by Hugh Stubbins in 1977, along with Le Messurier Engineering Consultants, and Emory Roth & Sons.
The 45 DEGREE Exhibition is a tribute to Hugh Stubbin’s 45° top with product designs re-envisioned from the 70s by SVA’s 3D Design students. It was curated by SVA alumnus and 3D Design Chair Kevin O’Callaghan.

Event
People can come by 9-9 to see the exhibit from Nov. 11-18; 1-hour talk by SVA’s 3D Design Chair Kevin O’Callaghan (2014 Art Directors Hall of Fame inductee), co-curator, on Nov. 17, from 1-2.

Learn more at https://sva.design/courses/3d-design/.