SAD SIDE of the STREET is a site-specific installation by Brooklyn based artist LEEZA MEKSIN, exploring the relevance of printed culture in our virtual world. This large-scale public art piece consists of nine 16 by 15 foot windows showcasing stretched skins of custom-printed spandex designed by the artist. Meksin’s installations draw parallels between our buildings and our bodies, exploring the gendered terrain of textiles and architecture. The pattern of gold chains alludes to decoration and fabulousness, while evoking motifs of freedom and slavery.

Leeza Meksin has been working closely with chashama and a team of artists and friends to realize this project: MAXIMILIANA EISENMANN, Executive Assistant; Victoria Lewis, Anya Meksin, William Gerrard, Jason Earle, Laura DiVergilio, Kathy Pakhomova, and Lucy Kim.

About the Artist: Leeza Meksin is an interdisciplinary artist who makes installations, paintings, sculptures, films and multiples. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Leeza was educated in the United States, receiving a Joint BA/MA in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago, a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA in Painting from the Yale School of Art. Meksin’s recent projects included “House Coat,” a spandex outfit for a two-story building in St. Louis, MO and “Hide,” a two-person show at Adds Donna Gallery in Chicago.

Artist Website: www.meksin.com