NEW YORK, NY.- Affirmation Arts, a multi-disciplinary contemporary arts space in Hudson Yards, is presenting until this January 10th The Blessing Tables, a show of new large-scale sculptural tables by artist William T. Hillman (American, b. 1954) in collaboration with architect Maurice Saragoussi.
On view since November 17 – January 10, 2023, the 12 ft. wood and metal tables incorporate three- panel photograms from Hillman. Known for his photograms – images created by direct exposure of photographic materials to light, without the use of a camera or lens – the works on display are the result of a unique collaboration between the artist and Saragoussi to create original sculptural pieces which both consider and embody the act of a seated dinner, a prolonged period of shared connection.
A combination of photography and furniture, the artworks are built around the photograms, developed in multiple stages, with every indication of a meal: plates, lace panels, cups, desserts, etc. Presented in the gallery space in table form, the pieces can also be wall-hung, a technical distinction created specifically by the architect to bridge the boundaries between design and art.
Hillman recalls his family dinners as the brainchild behind the sculptures; “the real origin comes from my mother. She would cook a big meal for twenty-five or more people and set the dinner tables beautifully during the holiday seasons. I always made an effort to join these family dinners, as from my experience, it was always a positive time for gathering together. In making this piece, we thought about the act of having dinner and what the platonic form of that setting might look like.”
William T. Hillman is a photographer and painter based in New York. Throughout his career, he has worked across drawing and painting, embracing digital and analog photographic images. With a background in capturing both the landscape and the human form, his work often exists between the figurative and the abstract. Hillman’s work is represented in the collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as many private collections.
Hillman and Saragoussi have worked together on various occasions, including a residential project with architect Roger Ferri in the 1990s. The Blessing Tables continues their longtime collaborations where design meets the visual arts, expanding on Saragoussi’s experience in original designs, renovations and artistic interior design.
The exhibition will be on view by appointment.
William T. Hillman (American, b. 1954) has trained as a painter and academic. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Arts from Princeton University and an MBA from Columbia University. Further studies have included landscape painting at the Lacoste School of the Arts in France and portraiture and anatomy at the Art Students League in New York City.
Hillman’s continuing interest in Mythology, influenced by the work of Joseph Campbell, has been a driving force behind much of his expression. His experience painting landscapes en plein air and working from life with the figure established a foundation for his figurative and abstract photographic and painterly work. Throughout his career, he has worked in many media, creating drawings, paintings, and digital and analog photographic images.
Hillman’s work is represented in the collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as many private collections.
Maurice Saragoussi is a highly accomplished architect with over 50 years of experience specializing in private, high-end residential work. Based in New York City, he is licensed in the State of New York, with work also completed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. Since forming Maurice Saragoussi Architects in 1996, his projects have included full interior and exterior original designs, renovations, artistic interior design, and tenant alteration review work.
Saragoussi received his education at Pratt University School of Architecture in Brooklyn, New York, where he was instrumental in the development of local community programs, working with the University to address the social interactions between educational institutions and the Community.
After receiving his Architect’s license, Saragoussi worked as an Architect and Designer at the offices of Henri LeGendre & Associates and in Production at SMP (later became Bomad) where he was responsible for the production of many buildings, including public health, education, and community centers, in addition to the one million square feet of Merrill Lynch brokerage office spaces and processing centers which spanned the east coast from Maine to Florida. More notable is Saragoussi’s contribution to the prestigious firm of Roger Ferri Architect during the last five years of the award-winning architect’s life. This marked the beginning of Saragoussi’s involvement with private high-end residential work that remains central to his practice today.
Following the untimely death of Roger Ferri, Maurice established Saragoussi Architects and has worked in private residences and commercial retail spaces ever since.
Affirmation Arts is a contemporary arts complex dedicated to the success and encouragement of visual and performing arts. Having supported and partnered with many nationally and internationally recognized artists, galleries, and museums, Affirmation Arts presents dynamic exhibitions and events that champion the role art and artists play in contemporary culture.
