Lucy Sparrow - Feltz Bagels (NYC)
Hey, New Yorkers: Have you ever stopped to think about how many products are available in your local bagel shop?
I don’t just mean the freshly made pumpernickels on display behind the counter. Think about the ice cold drinks in the fridge, the impulse items at the checkout and the shelves full of chips, candy and condiments. It’s probably around 30,000. How do I know? Because that’s how many things were made in order to stock the latest immersive installation from London-based artist Lucy Sparrow. Every single item you’ll see in this fully operational Alphabet City shop was created by hand using felt. The shop/exhibit is called Feltz Bagels, a playful nod towards the artist’s signature material as well as the Jewish community commonly associated with the famous food that millions of New Yorkers eat daily.
It’s timely that it’s running throughout the month of October, because this is an art exhibit dressed up as a local bagel shop and just like Halloween, there’s something wholesome and charming about seeing so many familiar products faithfully recreated. Cans of Tab and Snapple. Boxes of Junior Mints. Kosher salt and unsalted Matzos. There’s even a bodega backroom where you can find alcohol, cigarettes and small baggies of wacky tobaccy. All the products you’d expect to see in a real shop are here, except they’re made of felt. Hand stitched, with the labels hand painted. And the best part? This is a rare New York City store where you won’t get yelled at for loitering, because enjoying the art is part of the experience.
Sparrow has been using felt to re-create common household goods and mainstream products for over a decade. They’re soft and fuzzy to the touch, which is a large part of their charm. They’re tactile works you can engage with. They make me smile, but even more amusing is that some of them smile, too. The signature pieces in each show are given big black eyes and cute little smiles. A salt beef bagel is already hard to say no to, but when it’s smiling back at you? Irresistible!
If you do decide to buy, a vast majority of the items are priced from $40 - $60 plus tax. That’s another one of the reasons I think Lucy continues to be so popular. She creates a modern nostalgia experience with reasonably priced handmade works of art that most people can afford. Though some might have to dip into their savings to get a customised bagel with up to 8 toppings ($250 + tax). And any Manhattan socialites planning a champagne brunch will definitely want to splurge on the pre-made platter housed in a Perspex display for $8k. Just like your favourite bagel shop, Feltz Bagels has something for everyone. Plus Lucy’s bagels won’t go soggy in the bag before you get home!
If you’re in or near NYC then I highly recommend you make your way to see this in person. It’s art that will warm your heart, and Lucy and her team are incredibly friendly and fun to chat with. If you can’t make it in person most of the items are available online (see link below) and I’ve been told a version of the shop will be appearing in Miami during December art week.
Plan your visit (NYC)
‘Feltz Bagels’ runs until 31 October, or all products sell out!
209 East 3rd Street, at Avenue B. Open from 11am to 8pm.
A limited selection of products can be bought online.
Visit sewyoursoul.co.uk and follow @sewyoursoul on Instagram for more info about the artist.
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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