‘Civic Performance’ is an exhibition of artists’ projects in a variety of media that examines the relationships between individuals and their communities. The exhibit, located in the
The exhibit features twelve artists: Harell Fletcher, Pedro Lasch, Pia Lindman, John Malpede, Brad McCallum, Jacqueline Tarry, Angel Nevarez, Alex Rivera, Michael Rakowitz, Shelly Silver, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, and Krzysztof Wodiczko. Artwork includes functional maps, interactive paintings, videos, drawings, and photography.
The artwork is an examination of the relationships between individuals and the communities that they make up. The word ‘civic’ deals with society and culture. The groups of people who are represented include homeless people, researchers, immigrants, refugees, workers, online community, and women.
Most of the artwork was unique and innovative, although very different from the conventional work we’re used to. Both past and contemporary artwork can be dynamic. However, art from the past is not usually interactive, with sound effects and narration. Art should be accessible, so that it can be interpreted in many ways. It should be thought-provoking, not confusing.
Sometimes, you get the feeling that contemporary artists try too hard to be different, to diverge from the norm. Some of the art doesn’t fit in the realm of traditional art, but is more along the lines of architecture and science. But the argument can be made that science is also an art form. Unfortunately, while exploring new modes of expression can be refreshing to viewers, it can come across as being highly convoluted. After all, a message left without being translated is still lost.
One of the aspects of the artwork presented at ‘Civic Performance’ that catches your attention immediately is the size of most of the pieces, whether they’re large photographs of homeless teenagers and snow workers, or maps of the western hemisphere, or even the inflated home made from plastic and Ziploc bags. Expressions and emotions are also captured well. The photography is brilliant and effective.
The best pieces were ‘Para Site Shelters,’ ‘Snow Workers Ballet’ and ‘Latino/a (Selections).’ ‘Para Site Shelters’ by Michael Rakowitz, included a video and an actual display of what one of these homes looked like. These are homes built by homeless people, within the legal size limits, for survival on the streets. Made from plastic bags and other similar materials, the idea is interesting, namely for its inventors’ resourcefulness.
‘Snow Workers Ballet’ by Mierle Laderman Ukeles is impressive for its photography. It takes the mundane and makes it worth examining. A viewer is forced to look at the images to see what may be presented. ‘Latino/a (Selections)’ is by Pedro Lasch and also has an interesting concept. The artist handed out 40 maps of the western hemisphere to people who would cross the U.S.- Mexico border. When these individuals made it to their final destinations, they mailed back the maps- the same ones that are displayed at the Gallery. Each map is a depiction of the journey, struggle and effort taken to cross the border, a very novel idea.
‘Civic Performance’ is an examination and representation of individual and community relationships. It is also a study of groups and societies that have come into existence along the course of human existence. The artwork is relevant because of the sociological questions it explores. At the same time, it is not over-zealous: that is, it’s not flamboyant, intricate, gaudy or showy. It retains its reality and is documentary in style. It’s definitely worth a see.
