"The Invisible Dog Factory" is a series focusing on the renowned factory known for its leather leashes, famously seen on the dance floor of Studio 54. Abandoned since 1999, the factory's essence is preserved through Martine's photographs, capturing the atmosphere and scents she experienced when she discovered it in 2009.
Lucien Zayan, founder of The Invisible Dog Cultural Center in Brooklyn, remarks: ‘Through her pictures, Martine shows us what she felt and what she ‘smelled’ as it was when I discovered it in 2009. Left intact for 10 years.’
“ When I first set foot in The Invisible Dog Factory, it had not changed since the end of the late 1990’s when the owner George Zobas died. The belt and buckle factory had been abandoned with the invisible dog leashes strewn on the floor, the jewelry left on the walls, the textiles in their quiet spoons.
An irresistible odor and aura emanated from it. I was mesmerized.
I wanted to compose photographs which would preserve the magic of the 20,000 square foot factory with its past products and production in situ. The XIX th century three story building was the only remaining industrial landmark.
Lucine Zayan immediately accepted as he also wanted to have a visual exploration of the factory as he had set eyes on it the first time and dreamt of a new art space… which would become The Invisible Dog Art Center.
The ludicrous and surrealist leashes made the factory famous during the Warhol years when a liberated generation would dance in Studio 54 with the imaginary S and M dog leash from The Invisible Dog! But the factory probably fell upon the design as one of the workers assembled pieces of the left-over leather and cords used to make more mainstream (prosaic) objects like belts, buckles, costume jewelry and ribbons.”
— Martine Fougeron
Video: 6 " via Vimeo
For more information: The Invisibe Dog Web site