Fort Distraction

For the project Fort Distraction, artist Mariah Johnson transformed the WPA office space by slowly folding, arranging, stacking and layering bed sheets around the architectural features and furniture in the space. Part performance, part site-specific installation, Fort Distraction invited viewers to witness Johnson's process and the work behind her beautifully arranged installations. 

Throughout the project's four-week run, Johnson added to the installation on a daily basis. The public could view the installation process and the installation's progress and watch Johnson at work. After weeks of adding, rearranging and layering, Johnson's installation engulfed the audience, transforming the WPA office space into a kind of artist's pillow fort. 

ABOUT COUP D’ESPACE

Coup d’Espace is WPA’s member-generated programming series. By inviting member artists and curators to plan installations, exhibitions, and events in its office project space, WPA provides a venue for unusual collaborations, exploration of new concepts, and the production of new and experimental work. Coup d’Espace allows artists and curators to utilize the WPA office as a laboratory or workshop space, to introduce new and in-process projects and present challenging ideas.  

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Dates

January 18 – February 11, 2011

Location

2023 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036

Opening reception

February 4, 2011, 6-8 pm