Contemporary Art Displayed in an 18th-Century Historical Residence

Rejin Leys: Touch Jamaica is a captivating exhibition that diverges from the traditional “white cube” format, taking place at the King Manor Museum in Jamaica, Queens. This unique showcase allows visitors to explore Leys’s mixed-media paper sculptures within the historical context of a period home. Rejin Leys, a Haitian-American artist based in Queens, crafts her work, reflecting on themes of displacement, climate change, political upheaval, and the historical impact of colonialism. Her interactive PulpMobile, which brings paper-making to public spaces, complements her gallery work, turning community engagement into art.

The King Manor Museum, a historic site once home to Rufus King, offers guided tours that immerse visitors in the setting’s layered history, enhancing the experience of Leys’s art. The museum presents rooms decorated to reflect different eras of its past, allowing visitors to traverse time—from the 18th century to the 19th century—through art and decor. The guided aspect enriches the experience, shedding light on the decisions behind the museum’s presentation, from wall decorations to exhibit details like Rejin Leys’s integration of everyday objects from the past into her paper works.

Leys’s art utilizes paper, echoing the archival nature of historical documentation. Her sculptures, prints, and arrangements are imprinted with household items and local landmarks, underscoring our interconnected histories. In the context of the King Manor Museum, Leys’s art not only represents the house’s bygone years but also invites viewers to consider contemporary and historical connections. Her work engages with elements like defunct libraries, theaters, and significant local sites, potentially evoking personal nostalgia for locals and deep reflections on layered histories for all visitors.

This exhibition also probes the limitations of recorded history, touching on themes of what remains undocumented or faded with time. The impact of mid-19th-century dates on her artwork subtly highlights pivotal historical events such as the Civil War. Through intentional aesthetic choices and contextualization within King Manor’s spaces, Leys’s work challenges us to see history as dynamic and ongoing, not just as a static backdrop.

Touch Jamaica encourages contemplation on how history shapes our collective consciousness, utilizing the King’s historical narratives to enrich its poignant art. Visitors leave with an appreciation for the depth of social and historical influences that permeate both art and the everyday. Leys’s work asserts the importance of acknowledging and reconnecting with these layered histories, offering a dialog between past and present.

Rejin Leys: Touch Jamaica is open to art and history enthusiasts at the King Manor Museum through October 30, offering a reverential yet challenging perspective on art’s role in remembering and reimagining history.