What possibilities occur in the space and time of the caesura? The so-called “tram lines” or “railroad tracks” of poetic and musical caesura represent a pause and allow for reflection while inviting something from outside proscribed formats to enter, alter, and propel.

Pausing from the usual exhibition routine for the month of February, artists and scholars are invited, along with the public, to reflect on a research question or methodology that is of mutual concern. Emphasizing the fact that artists and scholars share a unique process of research and reflection that is ultimately creative these programs take various forms: lectures, conversations, film series, launches, and readings — many organized by doctoral students from a variety of disciplines. All of these events will be videotaped and then screened in the gallery between the live activities. A reading room provides background texts on the topics and work of the participants.

Simultaneously, artist Dina Weiss with Laaleh Mizani brings into the gallery a textile scrim, titled Ascenseur, from the original B. Altman & Co. department store elevators that were integral to the public function of this garment district building and are now used out of public view in the Mina Rees Library. The transposition of the elevator’s ornament into the gallery is meant as a visual cue for intimate and contemplative spaces of simultaneous waiting, movement, and exchange.

Free and open to the public

Tuesday–Friday, noon–8pm, and Saturday noon–6pm

The James Gallery, The Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016