Factory Installed 2021
March 12–November 14, 2021
Pittsburgh 15212
USA
Hours: Wednesday 11am–8pm
Thursday–Sunday 11am–6pm
T +1 412 231 3169
info@mattress.org
The Mattress Factory announces Factory Installed 2021 on view through November 14, 2021. Filling four floors in the Museum’s iconic Main Building, a former mattress warehouse, artists from around the world have been working in residence to create site-specific installations that range from the mesmerizing color play of artist duo Luftwerk to Sarawut Chutiwongpeti’s somber meditation on grief and the possibility of an afterlife.
Developed during COVID-19 lockdowns, Open Square, by artist duo Luftwerk, reflects on how our surroundings define our experience. Using light, color and sound, Petra Bachmaier and Sean Gallero create a cyclical flow that alters perception.
COVID-19 travel restrictions and safety guidelines impacted the way artist residencies were completed. Jeffrey Augustine Songco completed his artist residency remotely from his studio in Grand Rapids, MI. Songco was in daily conversation via video conference and telephone with Mattress Factory installers to complete Society of 23’s Trophy Game Room, a safe space for the fictional brotherhood of 23 mysterious men—all portrayed by the artist.
Sarawut Chutiwongpeti traveled to Pittsburgh from Thailand to conceptualize and build Wishes, Lies and Dreams >> The Journey into the Invisible World. The installation juxtaposes old and new materials as Chutiwongpeti explores doubts and questions about what happens to us and our loved ones after death.
Andrea Stanislav extended her residency when Pittsburgh entered initial COVID lockdown during her initial site visit in March 2020. As Stanislav sheltered in place with the Mattress Factory, she had extended time to explore the city and film with local Slavic folk dance group the Tamburitzans. The performance, filmed at Cary Furnaces, features prominently in Stanislav’s installation, Surmatants – Mars Rising.
Israeli artist Meir Tati’s residency was delayed as Israel rolled out vaccinations and stopped international travel. Tati's installation A New Tomorrow That Starts Today explores the formation and influence of political ideologies and the exchange of power between political leaders and their citizens.
Artists-in-residence for Factory Installed 2021 were chosen by a panel from an international open call. Panelists include Delanie Jenkins, artist and professor; Alisha Wormsley, artist and cultural producer; and Adam Welch, artist and curator.
For more information or to arrange an interview or photography, contact:
djanuary@mattress.org / T +1 412-313-5412
About the Mattress Factory
The Mattress Factory, founded in 1977, is a museum and experimental lab for artists. Located in Pittsburgh's historic Northside, just minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh, the Mattress Factory hosts artists from around the world and around the corner who live and work at the Museum as they create site-specific installation art that transforms spaces in our two historic row homes, converted mattress warehouse and surrounds. In addition to revolving installations created by artists in residence, the Mattress Factory also is home to installations by Greer Lankton, James Turrell, Winifred Lutz, Yayoi Kusama and more. For more information, call T +1 412-231-3169 or visit mattress.org.
