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SHUNK KENDER ARCHIVE

Holly
Cornell

The Shunk Kender Archive, located in the East Village,
houses a vast collection of photographs and videos by
Harry Shunk and János (Jean) Kender. The design of the
archive space addresses artists’ intentions to question
social interaction by creating intriguing moments of
communication between viewers.

A former Con Edison substation, the building heavily
influenced the design. For example, the movement of
sliding bookcases through a triple-height space evokes
a “silent factory,” alluding to the industrial past of the
building while maintaining a gallery-like atmosphere and
a series of angled wooden ribs rise from one side of the wall
and fold to create a staircase.

The second floor is devoted to artist biographies and
smaller compartments for videos. The screening room is
reached behind a moveable bookcase, which alternatively
reveals a stair to the third floor, where long oak desks and
a small terrace provide a moment to pause and read.

At the gallery level, photographs of the artists at work
extend the relationship of observer and performer through
time. While thin gaps within the paneled walls allow
glimpses of other visitors, each lane is set at a slightly dif-
ferent height, allowing for subtle changes in the eye level
as one proceeds.

Degree: Duke University, BA Art History.
hollywcornell@gmail.com

Faculty: Anne Nixon and Kristina Kesler

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