New York is the ultimate mecca of multiculturism, and now the city welcomes its latest international import: Tobias Rehberger’s Bar Oppenheimer. Launching during Frieze New York by his London gallerist Pilar Corrias, the German artist has gone above and beyond to replicate - and reinvent - his favourite Frankfurt local within Hôtel Americano.
One part sculptural artwork, one part fully functioning bar, the second edition of Bar Oppenheimer remains faithful to the spirit of the original – but with a characteristic Rehberger twist.
The striking striped interior is based on ‘dazzle camouflage’, a trick used by camoufleurs in the First World War to confuse enemy submarines and prevent them from accurately identifying their position. The psychedelic prints serve a more playful purpose in the Oppenheimer doppelgänger, although that’s not to say a few cocktails won’t have guests seeing double.
We caught up with Rehberger in the original Frankfurt bar for our June 2013 issue. Pick up a copy to find out what inspired this act of transplantation.
The artist at the original Bar Oppenheimer.
Rehberger's replica features striking striped décor based on Second World War 'dazzle camouflage'
The New York space has exactly the same size and proportions as the Frankfurt bar, but with added stripes
ADDRESS
Hôtel Americano
518 West 27th Street
New York
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