Michael Brown, Founder and Creative Director of Lot71, llc, an environmental designer and EV/LES resident for over 12 years, has designed LostLES - a panoramic installation at Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop that will celebrate the vivid character of the Lower East Side through its distinct architectural heritage. On the corner of Rivington & Norfolk, Tiny’s is set behind two plate-glass windowed walls that create a transparent, double-sided environment -- from the outside, a jewel box space on a vibrant LES streetcorner; from the inside, court-side seats to watch the vibrance flow by in all directions.
From both his Jewish family heritage and his long term residence in the LES, Michael Brown conceived of the design as a celebration of the iconic neighborhood that so many people claim genealogical roots in. Inspired by the camera obscura photography of Abelardo Morell (www.abelardomorell.net), and seen as a reflection cast across the walls and ceiling of the restaurant space, the panoramic mural will be painted by local LES artists, equally devoted to celebrating the spirit of the LES to which they have been longstanding cultural contributors and participants. The cultural diversity, richness of spirit, and visceral exuberance of this urban place drives the narrative for Lost LES, an immersive panorama that will transform Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop into an experiential stage to see and be seen on within the heart of Lower East Side.
Michael Brown's ideas for the installation grew out of living in the EV/LES for 12+ years. The project is both a celebration of the neighborhood, as well an opportunity to give back to it. Following cocktails on the opening night in early June 2009, an LES rooftop after-party will be held to gather friends, supporters, and active community members to continue the celebration of LostLES and the LES itself. Money raised during our capital campaign for LostLES and on opening night will be donated to a local LES Charity later this summer.
Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/32894138/new_york_ny/tiny_s_giant_sandwich_shop.html) has been a purveyor of gourmet sandwiches, salads and soups in the Lower East Side since 1999. Their innovative approach to "food for everyone" is distinguished by cuisine that is fresh, fast and simple. In September 2009, Tiny's will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary along side another milestone, our 1,000,000 sandwich sold. Working with the city's best vendors including Tom Cat Bakery, Baldor Foods and Market Purveyor we've acquired accolades from Zagat and "critic's pick" Time Out NY.
LostLES will be on view through the summer of 2009, culminating with the 10th anniversary celebrations of Tiny's this September.
