Founders of Public Swim Catherine Fenton Bernath and Madeleine Mermall
Photographed by Carl Michael Knight.
[Public Swim](https://www.erinsmurray.com) is opening its new gallery in the Lower East Side at 105 Henry Street, New York on January 17th. On display will be works by many artists such as Henri Paul Broyard and Emilia Olsen. Starting the gallery are the _Elements of Existence_. These are works that define the idea of having no doors in our homes, leaving the aspects of our personal lives to the public. It is meant to be an intimate look into humanity and will be available to view from 6-8PM.
The founders, Madeleine Mermall and Catherine Fenton Bernath find building community important and have made Public Swim a place of expression and inclusion. We got the chance to talk with the talented founders behind Public Swim and find out more about the gallery.
**How did you go about selecting this grouping of artists, was there a through line with their disciplines?**
We selected this group artists for their unique take on contemporary reality, and for the way their works reflect, as well as empathize with, the viewer. As a grouping, we see pieces communicating and connecting with each other as if old friends have gathered for night in, and we the audience can take comfort in their ease and familiarity.
**Is there a central or overall theme, how do you feel these artists fit into your ideas of accessibility?**
The exhibition takes as its starting point an excerpt from a 1922 issue of House & Garden, which outlines the state of existential distress that should occur were the doors to disappear from our homes, revealing the elements of our existence. The exhibition explores some of these facets, from the familiar and personal to the abstruse and peculiar. A central theme of the show is the examination of our quotidian environments, the rituals we enact within them, and how these spaces can be charged with nuance.
**Why do you feel it is important and necessary to bring together accessibility, affordability and intentionality?**
From our own experiences navigating the art world, we feel that often the simple joy of viewing art is overshadowed by the feeling of not belonging and being priced out. We want visitors to feel at ease walking into our space and excited to engage with the work. Also, our commitment to varied price points stems from the idea that everyone should be able to afford a piece of art they love, and by creating a warm and friendly environment that brings these variables together, we hope to make the experience of visiting Public Swim an enjoyable and fulfilling one that continues beyond the gallery walls.
**What is the purpose of Elements of Existence, how do you feel this sensibility has shifted from the 1922 concept?**
In the present digital age of compromised privacy, we thought the 1922 quote by Mary Fanton Roberts questioning life without doors was a compelling metaphor. Private space, both physically and digitally, is becoming sacrosanct and Roberts farcical notion has become a reality—her ‘malicious little fairy’ reigns supreme.
**Can you let us know more about this First Friday concept?**
The First Friday concept is aligned with our mission to build community and foster connections between artists, many of whom work in isolation. We are committed to supporting emerging artists through feedback and conversation.
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**Public Swim** is located at **105 Henry St, New York, NY**
