Swing House by Mark De Jong

Mark DeJong, an artist, and a renovator and reimaginer of old houses, transformed the Swing House over the course of three years. It is a freestanding 1880’s three story brick building, representative of Cincinnati’s 19th century traditional residential architecture. The Swing House is immersive and experiential, a radical departure from our expectations of everyday domesticity.

Reinforced by the hourglass shape on the ceiling, the movement of the swing mimics the travel of a pendulum, again, referencing the passage of time in the revealed history expressed on the walls; the swing is not only for pleasure, but is also a vehicle for contemplation.

The furniture, the art in the basement, and the exhibition all elude to a release from gravity, reinforcing the ethereal feeling one experiences while swinging. Like the swing, they all appear to float in space.

Descending the spiral stairs, one leaves the sanctuary of the above ground space, trading its openness for the intimacy and warmth of the gallery and bathroom setting below.

De Jong studied fine arts at the University of Cincinnati, and Alfred University. During that time and after, he worked in house construction/renovation/restoration and learned the ins and outs of the trades. Over time, de Jong transitioned into buying and selling homes, ultimately marrying his art background with house craft - creating his own unique, hybrid practice.

De Jong has continued this practice by expanding to exhibition spaces, including a solo show at the Contemporary Arts Center during the Spring/Summer of 2018, and with other house concepts in the Cincinnati area. Including Circle House (precursor to Swing House), Square House, and has started development on his next project, Stair House.

To learn more visit: https://www.swing-house.com/