A Gucci store converted into a synagogue. (Courtesy SFAA)

SACRED SPACES IN PROFANE BUILDINGS
Storefront for Art and Architecture
560 Broadway
Through November 5

How do we practice our religions, beliefs, or spiritual ideas in New York City outside of established churches, synagogues, and mosques? In the newest exhibit at the Storefront for Art and Architecture, architect and researcher Matilde Cassani explores how we celebrate and observe our beliefs in unconventional spaces: converted shops into prayer spaces, apartments turned into churches, and sidewalks into chapels. Cassani invited New York residents to submit photographs and descriptions of local places of worship to create an online archive, with highlights selected for the Center’s exhibition, such as the photograph of the Soho Synagogue converted from a Gucci store above, by John Hall.

"Spiritual Devices", 2010 by Matidle Cassani. Image by Ivan Sarfatti. (Courtesy SFAA)

Image by Jamie Permuth, 2002 submitted through sacredspacesinprofanebuildings.com. (Courtesy SFAA)

Image submitted through sacredspacesinprofanebuildings.com. (Courtesy SFAA)

Image submitted through sacredspacesinprofanebuildings.com. (Courtesy SFAA)

Image submitted through sacredspacesinprofanebuildings.com. (Courtesy SFAA)

Image submitted through sacredspacesinprofanebuildings.com. (Courtesy SFAA)