Origins

The parcel located at 287 Fargo Avenue in Buffalo, NY includes an 1890’s era Victorian ‘Buffalo double’ and an adjacent 1860’s era cottage. In 2009, when both structures were slated for demolition, artist Dennis Maher acquired the lot and established a residence in the main house. The moment of ‘moving in’ initiated an ongoing interplay between the artist, the house and patterns of daily living. Inside the main house, excavations into the walls, floors and ceilings are complemented by the continuous collection and assembly of second hand materials and artifacts, including architectural salvage, antique furnishings and toys, dollhouses and other objects. The making, unmaking and remaking of both the house and its inhabitant exposes a real and imaginary world that is always on the brink of becoming.