JAKE SLAUGHTER

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This project explores dichotomy and unity, focusing on the transformation from two entities into one, and vice versa. Its aim is to create a 5000-square-foot residence for four artists, emphasizing collaborative creation. These artists join forces to construct a bench, embodying the concept of merging into one. This effort resulted not only in the physical amalgamation of materials into a unified surface but also symbolized broader implications--the bench acts as a conduit for communal engagement, connecting individuals to the site and promoting interdisciplinary learning and cooperation among artists. 

The project is underpinned by two organizational narratives. The first tracks the bench’s lifecycle, from conception and design to construction in the workshop, temporary exhibition in the gallery, and its eventual permanent installation on the building’s grounds. The second narrative charts a journey from public to private spaces within the gallery, guiding visitors through increasingly intimate areas to the residences. Along this path, the bench’s story intersects with the viewers’ experience, framing encounters and insights into the integration of object, space, and community.

Bethany, CT
Critics: Tei Carpenter and Adam Hopfner
Yale University, Fall 2023

  Building a Bench Together

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