SURVEILLANCE
April 9 – May 16, 2009
Opening:
Thursday, April 9, 6–8 pm
Affirmation Arts
523 West 37th Street
New York, NY 10018
212.925.0092
http://www.affirmationarts.com
Affirmation Arts is pleased to announce Surveillance, a group show curated by Rachel D. Vancelette, featuring artists: Yasmine Chatila, Tomory Dodge, Jeffrey Gibson, Charles Harlan, Shin il Kim, Caitlin Maloney and Angelo Plessas.
“Surveillance” is defined as “close or vigilant watch over someone or something,” and derives, by way of the French veiller, from the Latin term vigilare, meaning “to keep watch.” Artists have historically been the gatekeepers of society’s public accounts, and today they continue to mirror our daily lives. Whether it is through the Internet, virtual social networking, photography, painting, or multimedia-based technologies, artists are always interrupting and interpreting the reality of today’s information age.
Surveillance presents the diverse studio practices of seven artists who remind us all that they are indeed keeping watch over this explosive and public exchange of information. In recent years the continual bombardment of virtual information has radically transformed the world, and these artists are among those who are constantly redefining its boundaries and content. The necessity and proliferation of surveillance techniques have become a large part of our everyday lives. Whether or not our society at large is conscious of these invasions and observations, it is clear that this diverse group of artists is engaging and addressing these critical issues.
In an age where the excess of information has produced false, invasive, and voyeuristic avenues in both the private and public domain, these artists remind us of the daily observation, private moments, intimate encounters, and public cyberworld of virtual activities. Multiple conceptual vocabularies of art are coming full circle with the use of new technologies and materials. These artists are employing both traditional and nontraditional techniques, evoking a transformative intervention while providing a gateway for the viewer’s engagement.
Affirmation Arts is a newly renovated art space located in the Hudson Yards district of NYC. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 11am-5pm. For more information please contact Marla Goldwasser at 212-925-0092 or marla@affirmationarts.com.
