ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Finnegan Shannon's Conveyor Belt Installation at Pioneer Works Tests Institutional Accessibility

exhibition · 2026-10-12

At Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, Finnegan Shannon's exhibition, There's no me without you, explores the failures of systems concerning disabled individuals. Inside a room adorned with maroon carpeting, a 12-foot conveyor belt transports interactive items such as plush chairs and accessible text. Elements like masks, hand sanitizer, and DIY air purifiers embody Shannon's commitment to equitable interaction. The show includes three artists; for the initial month, Ariana Martinez places tactile objects on the conveyor. However, during a visit, the belt was initially inactive, compromising accessibility. Once staff activated it, a jam occurred, illustrating institutional neglect. An accidental resolution by the writer underscored themes of interdependence and shared responsibility. The exhibition is open until December 20 at Pioneer Works (159 Pioneer Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn).

Key facts

  • Finnegan Shannon's There's no me without you is on view at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn.
  • The installation includes a 12-foot-long square conveyor belt in a maroon-carpeted room.
  • Visitors can interact with objects such as plush chairs and open spaces for those who can't access seating.
  • Masks, accessible text, hand sanitizer, DIY air purifiers, and descriptive audio are available.
  • Three artists will be presented during the show's run; Ariana Martinez is the first, placing small tactile objects in dishes atop the belt for the first month.
  • During a visit, the conveyor belt was not turned on, and staff left without resolving a jam.
  • The writer rocked a jammed plate, accidentally starting the belt, which crystallized Shannon's intent of interdependence.
  • The exhibition continues through December 20 at 159 Pioneer Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn, and was organized by Pioneer Works.

Entities

Artists

  • Finnegan Shannon
  • Ariana Martinez
  • Bryan Martin

Institutions

  • Pioneer Works
  • Hyperallergic

Locations

  • Brooklyn
  • United States
  • Red Hook
  • 159 Pioneer Street

Sources

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