The Pataphysics of ‘Flatiron'

Michael Arturo's "Flatiron" is a challenging yet rewarding work that utilizes a specific architectural landmark to explore universal themes of human perception and memory. By blending historical events with personal myth and employing a distinctly postmodern style, the narrative creates a disorienting but ultimately moving portrait of how individuals construct their reality and grapple with the ghosts of the past. The influence of major literary figures in the absurdist and postmodern traditions is evident throughout, and the work's engagement with concepts like pataphysics adds another layer of intellectual depth. While at times prone to philosophical abstraction, the core narrative effectively conveys a sense of existential uncertainty and the search for meaning in a mediated world.

Timeline of “Flatiron”

* 1902: The construction of the Flatiron Building (originally the Fuller Building) begins in New York City. Alex Alessi's great-grandfather, an Italian immigrant, is involved in its construction.

* 1911: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire occurs, killing 146 people, mostly women. Alex Alessi's great-grandmother perishes in this fire.

* Over Generations: The stories of the Flatiron Building's construction and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire become intertwined and distorted within Alex Alessi's family history. A myth develops about immigrant workers being buried alive during the Flatiron's construction, possibly due to language barriers and misinterpretation of historical events.

* Sometime in the Past (Pre-narrative): Alex Alessi and the narrator are inseparable friends. The narrator has dreams of opening an art gallery, which Alex considers backing. Jerry Greenberg, an artist, sometimes crashes at Alex's loft. The narrator lurks at Alex's get-togethers and makes a connection with Greenberg. Alex confides in Greenberg that he doesn't want to be overt in depicting loss in his art; the past is inescapable.

* Later in the Past (Pre-narrative): A rift or drift occurs between Alex Alessi and the narrator. Things are said, and they drift apart. Alex achieves early success while the narrator struggles.

* Sometime Before the Narrated Events: Jerry Greenberg starts living in Alex Alessi's loft. He begins to have recurring nightmares about immigrant workers being buried alive beneath the Flatiron, predating his residency in the loft. These nightmares influence his art.

* The Day of the Narrated Events: The narrator, unsure how he arrived, finds himself seeking out his forgotten friend, Alex Alessi, at his loft. Alex is not there, only his name remains on the intercom. Jerry Greenberg answers the door and lets the narrator into the loft.

* Later the Same Day: The narrator spends an indefinite amount of time in Greenberg's loft, observing his chaotic space and extensive collection of paintings of the Flatiron Building. Greenberg discusses his artistic obsession with the Flatiron, questioning its reality and discussing concepts like pataphysics. He also speaks of Alex's disappearance, stating Alex could be anywhere.

* Still Later the Same Day: The narrator shares the story of Alex Alessi's great-grandfather and the intertwined myths of the Flatiron construction and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire with Greenberg. Greenberg reacts strongly, revealing his own recurring nightmares that align with the fabricated story of buried workers. He becomes agitated and shows the narrator a painting depicting buried laborers, claiming it is a representation of his nightmare. He questions who sent the narrator.

* Later the Same Day: The narrator leaves Greenberg's loft, asking Greenberg to call him if Alex reappears.

* Shortly After Leaving Greenberg's Loft: The narrator stands outsid