In an age where technology promises effortless connectivity yet often leaves us feeling isolated, the concept of friction has been on my mind. This was particularly evident as I navigated Franklin Street in Greenpoint searching for Subtitled NYC, a project space concealed behind a series of identical numbered doors. The experience highlighted the tangible resistance contrasting our digital expectations, much like the intricate setup within the space itself.
Inside, the exhibition “On Other Terms” by artists Pap Souleye Fall and Char Jeré offers a sensory overload reminiscent of urban life. The artworks, including etched television screens, papier-mâché hair bags, and pixelated poetry, compel visitors to engage physically and mentally. Both artists explore themes of technology, legibility, and surveillance, yet they avoid simplistic narratives. As curator Ho Won Kim notes, being unreadable can lead to social invisibility, suggesting that the path forward is neither full acceptance nor outright rejection.
Fall’s use of chroma key green, typically seen in digital post-production, serves as a metaphor for reinterpreting shared symbols. This, coupled with Jeré’s found-object assemblage, reflects an immigrant aesthetic of repurposing. These approaches highlight the precariousness of daily life under surveillance and control but also emphasize beauty and resilience in their artistry.
Subtitled NYC, established by Jaejoon Jang in 2022, embodies this ethos by prioritizing process, experimentation, and collaboration over commercial gain. Past shows have included transformative installations by artists like Armando Guadalupe Cortés and Seung-Jun Lee. Despite financial challenges, the space boldly supports causes like Palestinian liberation, illustrating its commitment to broader social issues.
Jang, an immigrant artist himself, views maintaining Subtitled NYC as both a curatorial endeavor and a personal mission of persistence. In a city driven by market forces, this project space stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for creating meaningful, less visible forms of expression.
