Absence & Presence
This unique event will allow for a rare glimpse into a remarkable architectural, historical and visual treasure in downtown Springfield. The Cliff House or Cliff Hotel, operated between 1912 and 1964, has been abandoned and mothballed for over 50 years. For this special exhibit, the rich patina and ghostly remains of this 16-room hotel (on the second and third floors of the building) will be illuminated and filled with art installations.
The project is designed by Robert Mazrim, who has recently curated and produced artwork for a number of events at the abandoned Pillsbury factory, as well as the “Pillsburied” exhibit at 413 Adams Street downtown. This special night of ghostly reanimation will occur directly across the street from the building destroyed by fire this summer.
The December exhibit, Absence and Presence, is intended to highlight the remarkable details and patinas left preserved in the building, as well as the ghostly traces of so many former inhabitants. Art installations throughout the spaces consist of minimalist installations, small tableaus, and multimedia projections intended to highlight the sense of both absence and presence in this rich historical space.
The exhibit is designed by Robert Mazrim, and is located directly across Adams Street from the building that was destroyed by fire in June. And it was on the third floor of that building that Mazrim‘s “Pillsburied“ exhibit was located and opened to the public in March. Some of the artworks rescued from the ruins of the fire will be on display on the ground floor reception area for this special event. Also part of the event is a screening of Matthew Konicek’s experimental short film “Historic Shrines”.
This special temporary exhibit is hosted by the Kidzeum, which owns and maintains the historic hotel. Other artists contributing to the exhibit are Corrin McWhirter and Matthew Konicek. Further support and assistance comes from Bruce Ferry, Derek Ryan, Curtis Mann, Chris Richmond, and the Springfield Art Association.
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