title>  Shell

medium>    situation with aluminum, acrylic and wood structure modifying existing architecture

dimensions>    new structure 7.5' x 9' x 6' approximately

date>  2005

description>   Shell is a situation in which part of an existing glass-fronted private space is physically opened to the public, for use 24 hours a day. An enclosure resembling a transit shelter is built on the inside of the space, attached to the existing glass frontage, a pane of which is removed in order to create free access to the new structure from the street. Now given over to the public sphere, the area inside the shelter becomes an in-between, layered space. It offers shelter, but uneasily, both remaining recognisably part of the interior space and serving as a known public form. It also exposes the vulnerability of the private space - not so much for the physical breach (which is only a matter of square metres lent), but more through our recognizing the fragility of our notions of safety, property, and propriety.

exhibition>      Catriona Jeffries Gallery, 14 January-19 February 2005

bibliography>

• Monika Szewczyk, "chronocidal citizens," Germaine Koh: Shell (Vancouver: Catriona Jeffries Gallery, 2005)
• Christopher Brayshaw, "Koh's Work Focuses on Meaningful Details," The Georgia Straight (Vancouver), 27 January 2005

credits>    Materials sponsor: Surrey Fluid Power Ltd.; research assistance and technical advice: Dave Kemp; installation assistance: Michael Bryden and Jim Strong