Architecture of Separation
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Architecture of Separation
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Once processed at Ellis Island, new arrivals were directed to a three-aisle stairway, commonly known as the Stairs of Separation. There were three possible outcomes: detainment on the Island, begin a new life in America, or entry denied and immediate return to the country of origin. This stairway is the basis for Architecture of Separation: a spatial installation reflecting on architectural structures of order and permission. The piece is composed of three sets of lines receding in space. Formed by a process of threading between two floating anchor points, each line traverses the two anchors seven times. This refers to the number of Scacco’s immediate family members who immigrated from Southern Italy; three of whom passed through Ellis Island themselves.

Click on images below to view full screen.

Architecture of Separation
Teak plywood, concrete, embroidery thread, fishing wire, hardware 12 x 12 x 9.5 ft — 2018

Once processed at Ellis Island, new arrivals were directed to a three-aisle stairway, commonly known as the Stairs of Separation. There were three possible outcomes: detainment on the Island, begin a new life in America, or entry denied and immediate return to the country of origin. This stairway is the basis for Architecture of Separation: a spatial installation reflecting on architectural structures of order and permission. The piece is composed of three sets of lines receding in space. Formed by a process of threading between two floating anchor points, each line traverses the two anchors seven times. This refers to the number of Scacco’s immediate family members who immigrated from Southern Italy; three of whom passed through Ellis Island themselves.

Click on images below to view full screen.

Architecture of Separation
Teak plywood, concrete, embroidery thread, fishing wire, hardware, 12 x 12 x 9.5 ft — 2018