Cordy Ryman, After School Special - Room 101, 2017, PS 11 Addition, Queens

For PS 11’s new addition in Queens, artist Cordy Ryman created After School Special – Room 101, an abstract artwork made of scrap wood salvaged from room 101 in the original school building. Ryman cut and arranged the wood fragments in interlocking patterns to form two site-specific installations for the lobby atrium. The first piece sits within the wood paneling along the main staircase, while the other is installed on the perpendicular wall. Visible from multiple locations, the artwork engages from afar and provides interesting discoveries when viewed up close. Neon pink paint applied in key areas defines the edges of the unique shapes while accentuating the character of individual blocks inside. The installation is an elegant union between old and new.