Tehniyet Masood: Project For Empty Space
September 1 - September 30, 2010

In 2010, Jasmine Wahi (Jasmine Wahi Contemporary Art Advisory) and Meenakshi Thirukode (MT Productions) presented an experimental curatorial adventure Project For Empty Space, by Tehniyet Masood.

The evolution of Project For Empty Space’s installation was executed by local artist Tehniyet Masood. Every day she added to a sculpture made out of reclaimed wood from different parts of New York City. Using the recycled wood as a metaphor for New York City’s history, Masood erected a work that drew inspiration from existing intersections and overlaps of the urban landscape of New York. By bringing together different elements of architecture and design, the structure took on a life of its own.

Project for Empty Space was an exhibition that investigated the dialog between artist, environment, and community. The relationship of these three subjects had taken on interesting overtones and layers given the economic climate of the time. Project for Empty Space brought together artists influenced by the environment of the Lower East Side to create thought-provoking and inspiring installations in a vacant outdoor space. Like many public art endeavors,

Project for Empty Space was originally born out of the need to bring contemporary art out of traditionally “high-brow” neighborhoods to the everyday people of New York. Due to the curators’ convictions regarding art education and appreciation, the Project had been strategically crafted to encourage the public to interact with the work in a variety of ways. It is the belief of the curators that witnessing the process and evolution of a work of art from concept to completion sparks a sense of curiosity and interest in all who are exposed. The behind-the-scene’s evolutionary experience of the artwork was both unique and engaging for the viewers.

Masood, who was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, studied Painting and Sculpture at Bennington College and the School of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Throughout the duration of the Project, curators Wahi and Thirukode invited a number of guest speakers and artists to speak with the public about how New York City’s diverse community and cityscape served as their muse. 

Project For Empty Space has been made possible by generous donations from Bulldog Gin, Build It Green NYC, Pink Brick House, and numerous donations from private supporters across the globe.