My friend, Ria, and I trekked to Williamsburg to see artist Kara Walker’s insanely cool installation at the abandoned Domino Sugar Refinery. With the rich scent of molasses hanging in the air and thickly caked on the walls, we stood in awe of Walker’s sphinx made of styrofoam and 80 tons (!) of sugar.
There’s something eerie about abandoned spaces. At one time, it was the largest sugar refinery in the world. We could hear and feel the souls of people who toiled long, exhausting hours in that space from 1882 until 2004, when it was shuttered.
Walker is known for her provocative work that reflects her deep contemplation about gender, race, and the horrors of slavery. Her emotions are raw and her judgements swift. She never sugarcoats her opinions, which makes this exhibit all the more ironic. It runs through July 6th when it will be demolished as most of site is leveled to make way for a new multi-use development. For those who can’t get to Brooklyn to see it, here’s the exhibit through my lens:
Christa Avampato 