By: Penny Black
In the heart of Boston’s vibrant art district, a unique pop-up exhibition is setting the stage for an extraordinary exploration of spaces that exist between the known and the undiscovered. From June 15 to June 16, 2024, the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery became the focal point for an exhibition entitled “A Līmen: In-between and Beyond.” This innovative exhibition showcases the collaborative works of Yushan Jiang and Shuang Chen, two architectural designers whose designs transcend traditional boundaries to probe into the realm of liminality.
The concept of a līmen is intriguing in its essence. It represents not just a threshold but also serves as a bridge connecting disparate realms. This idea finds profound expression in the exhibition through five distinct yet interconnected works. Each piece delves into the dynamics between privacy and publicness, history and future, informal and formal settings – all within varying architectural contexts.
Shuang Chen, alongside her Yale University classmate Robin Yang, brings to life ‘Moment and Eternity,’ a piece inspired by the serene yet poignant landscape of Qiandao Lake in China. The creation of Xinanjiang Hydropower Station and Three Gorges Dam dramatically altered this geography, submerging ancient villages under water and giving birth to Qiandao Lake. Their work commemorates this transformation through a memorial design that captures the essence of fluctuating water levels which define this unique zone. A proposed ring structure on an island marks these fluctuations, symbolizing not only the lake’s submerged islands but also projecting into future possibilities where receding waters may once again reveal these lost villages.
This thoughtful approach to design reflects a deeper understanding of space as more than just physical dimensions. It speaks to history, memory, loss, and hope—all interwoven within the architectural fabric. As Shuang Chen remarks, “Exhibiting architectural design work in art galleries could become a growing trend.” She believes that architecture draws considerable inspiration from diverse art forms, blurring lines between disciplines and creating new avenues for spatial experience representation.
Indeed, this blending of art with architecture offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness how spaces can evoke emotions and tell stories beyond their physical confines. Through their silent dialogue within each comparison, Jiang’s and Chen’s works spark conversations that transcend individual pieces. They invite viewers into unseen connections exploring what lies beyond visible thresholds.
The gallery itself transformed into an exploratory space at this exhibition—acting as both showcase and participant in this exploration of transitional spaces. The curatorial choice to present these works within such an intimate setting emphasizes the personal connection audiences can forge with each piece while reflecting on broader societal implications.
This conversation between architecture and art at ‘A Līmen: In-between And Beyond’ is not merely about showcasing projects, but rather opening up dialogues around how we perceive space—both physically encountered and conceptually imagined. It challenges visitors to consider their own interactions with transitional spaces daily while appreciating these moments’ inherent beauty.
Shuang Chen’s latest exhibition does more than blur lines; it erases them entirely — inviting us all to step across our thresholds into realms anew. Through every corner lies an invitation: To explore beyond sight—to feel deeply—to think broadly—and ultimately, to understand our world from perspectives unimagined before stepping into Abigail Ogilvy Gallery’s transformative space.
Herein lies another layer of experiencing liminality—as viewers navigate between online insights and in-person encounters, further exploring themes introduced by Jiang’s and Chen’s works.
Visit the Abigail Ogilvy website for more information: abigailogilvy.com.
Published by: Martin De Juan
