Why is this little house in the middle of the street in New York?

April 26, 2016

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II

 

American artist Mark Reigelman II has created little house covers for the manholes in New York City.

When thinking about what type of installation to create, he started looking around the city and noticed the plastic orange steam tubes, that are placed over manholes to release steam.

 

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


He set out to create an installation that would replace these tubes. His idea was to create a little house to sit on top of the manholes.

He worked with local manufacturers, suppliers and craftspeople, including Master Carpenter Andrin Widmer, to build the little house.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


Then it was time for a coat of paint.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


Once painted, the little house is then transported by trailer, to the ideal installation site.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


It takes two people to install the artwork, named ‘Smökers’, 

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


And here is the finished house, sitting over a steaming manhole.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


When the steam rises, it makes its way up to the chimney.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II


As the installation was not sanctioned or permitted, the installation duration varied from 30 seconds to 3 hours depending on location and time.

'Smokers' Art Installation by Mark Reigelman II

Photo/Video: Mark Reigelman II, Aaron Fleury | Video Editing: Brett Vance, Joshua Depew

 

You can watch a video about the house art installation below.