Defenestration
Defenestration
1997-2015
(Site-specific installation on the corner of 6th and Howard St. in San Francisco)
This multi-disciplinary sculptural mural involves seemingly animated furniture; tables, chairs, lamps, grandfather clocks, a refrigerator, and couches, their bodies bent like centipedes, fastened to the walls and window-sills, their insect-like legs seeming to grasp the surfaces. Against society’s expectations, these everyday objects flood out of windows like escapees, out onto available ledges, up and down the walls, onto the fire escapes and off the roof. “DEFENESTRATION” was created by Brian Goggin with the help of over 100 volunteers.
Concept
The concept of “DEFENESTRATION”, a word literally meaning “to throw out of a window,” is embodied by both the site and staging of this installation. Located at the corner of Sixth and Howard Streets in San Francisco in an abandoned four-story tenement building, the site is part of a neighborhood that historically has faced economic challenges and has often endured the stigma of skid row status. Reflecting the harsh experience of many members of the community, the furniture is of the streets, cast-off and unappreciated. The simple, unpretentious beauty and humanity of these downtrodden objects is reawakened through the action of the piece. The act of “throwing out” becomes an uplifting gesture of release, inviting reflection on the spirit of the people we live with, the objects we encounter, and the places in which we live.
The ground level has served as a rotating gallery for the vibrant artwork of street muralists.
Current Defenestration Exhibit with Varnish Fine Art
Dear Friends,
San Francisco City officials let me know I need to move the “Defenestration” project off of it’s perch to make way for affordable housing. Care-taking Defenestration for seventeen years has been a joy, so of course I feel a strong, affectionate relationship with the artwork, the community around it, and the loss, however, it has been a good run for a temporary installation, and we certainly can use more affordable housing here in San Francisco. I begin removing pieces in a little more than one week and can use your help. Varnish Fine Art Gallery and I have partnered up to make the art pieces available to collectors to raise the funds necessary to preserve the work. You may purchase one piece or the whole installation. Please take a moment to look at the online show. Help spread the word if you are able. Varnish can answer all your questions as I untie my ropes.
Very Best,Brian Goggin
Brian Goggin: DEFENESTRATION
May 20 – July 31, 2014
Online Exhibition as the Landmark SF Installation EndsMeet us at our office by appointment:
Varnish Fine Art
16 Jessie Street, #C120
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)433-4400View DEFENESTRATION in person:
Hugo Hotel building
Southwest Corner of 6th and Howard St.
San Francisco, CAVarnish Fine Art is proud to partner with Brian Goggin, finding permanent homes for DEFENESTRATION sculptures after they check out of the Hugo Hotel.
This installation of original sculpture by Brian Goggin transformed a South of Market building into a renowned art site, and its preservation has been supported by the community, including generous donations by art luminary Banksy.
Since Defenestration’s creation by Goggin 17 years ago with over 100 volunteers, San Francisco has delighted in the functioning Lamps, ringing Telephones, Leaping Tables, and Craning Clock to name a few of the 35 sculptures “thrown out the window” of DEFENESTRATION.
Defenestration has been a lively part of a creative public conversation with the world. I am very pleased we were able to experience the installation for the last seventeen years especially when I originally thought it might last only six months, now I am happy the artworks may find new homes with collectors as part of it’s migration from the hood. – Brian Goggin (May 20, 2014)
These unique works of art must be removed before the Hugo Hotel is demolished, but the DEFENESTRATION Project will continue as new homes are found for each original sculpture. If you’d like to view these works in place, visit the building at 6th and Howard Streets soon!
Contact us to purchase artwork and to discuss the future of DEFENESTRATION, including new projects in cities abroad.
Operation Restore Defenestration
