“An Exchange with Sol LeWitt”

“An Exchange with Sol LeWitt”
A two-part exhibition presented by Cabinet and MASS MoCA
Curated by Regine Basha

Cabinet
January 21, 2011 – March 5, 2011
Opening:
Thursday, January 20, 7–9 pm

300 Nevins Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
www.cabinetmagazine.org

MASS MoCA
January 23, 2011 – March 31, 2011
Opening:
Saturday, January 22, 7–9 pm

87 Marshall Street
North Adams, MA 01247
www.massmoca.org

Although celebrated for the revolutionary role he played in the development of both Conceptualism and Minimalism, Sol LeWitt was also renowned for his exchanges of artwork with various artists throughout his lifetime. For LeWitt, the act of exchange seemed to be not only a personal gesture, but also an integral part of his conceptual practice. In addition to encouraging the circulation of artworks through a gift economy that challenged the art world’s dominant economic model, LeWitt’s exchanges with friends and strangers have the same qualities of generosity and risk that characterized his work in general. In the spirit of continuing the artist’s lifelong philosophy of open exchange, and in conjunction with the “LeWitt Wall Drawing Retrospective” on view at MASS MoCA through 2033, MASS MoCA and Cabinet present “An Exchange with Sol LeWitt”—a curatorial project initiated by independent curator Regine Basha. The two-part exhibition will be on view at Cabinet from January 21 through March 5, 2011 and in MASS MoCA’s Prints and Drawings Gallery from January 23 through March 31, 2011.

The works of art that LeWitt received throughout his life, as well as records of what he offered in return, are maintained by the Sol LeWitt Private Collection in Chester, Connecticut—Eva Hesse, Steve Reich, Robert Mangold, Hanne Darboven, and Robert Ryman are some of the distinguished artists whose works are included in the collection. LeWitt did not restrict this practice to established contemporaries and friends, but also consistently traded with admirers and amateur artists whom he did not know. Inspired by the artist’s code of conduct, Basha initiated an open call for images, objects, music, film, books, and ephemera. The response was overwhelming, with over one thousand submissions received from around the world. Featuring work in all media, as well as found objects and mementos, the exhibition will showcase contributions by artists such as Fia Backström, Daniel Bozhkov, Luis Camnitzer, Teresita Fernandez, Harrell Fletcher, Jenny Perlin, Paul Ramirez Jonas, Pedro Reyes, and Steve Roden, among hundreds of others.

About MASS MoCA
MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the country and is located in North Adams, Massachusetts, on a restored 19th-century factory campus. MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 11am –5pm every day except Tuesdays. For additional information, call 413-662-2111 or visit www.massmoca.org. MASS MoCA is an independent 501C3 whose operations and programming are funded through admissions and commercial lease revenue, corporate and foundation grants, and individual philanthropy. Except for an initial construction grant from the Commonwealth, and competitive program and operations grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, MASS MoCA is privately funded: 90% of annual operating revenues are from earned revenues, membership support, and private gifts and grants.

About Cabinet
Cabinet magazine’s exhibition space was inaugurated in the fall of 2008 to extend the award-winning, non-profit publication’s engagement with art and culture into the public realm. The venue hosts exhibitions of both contemporary art and historical materials, as well as an eclectic schedule of talks, screenings, and events. Located at 300 Nevins Street (between Sackett and Union) in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, the gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm–6 pm and is fully wheelchair-accessible. Admission to the exhibition, like all events at Cabinet, is free. For additional information and hours, call 718-222-8434, email info@cabinetmagazine.org, or visit www.cabinetmagazine.org.

*Image above:
Courtesy Paul Ramirez Jonas.