Happy Island by Kat Chamberlin (video still)
C-O-N-T-E-M-P-T, a performance by Kat Chamberlin: THU, AUG 1, 2019 | 7:30-8:30PM
SERIOUS PLAY ON VIEW: JUN 27-AUG 18, 2019
CURATED BY ELIZABETH FERRER & JENNY GEROW
C-O-N-T-E-M-P-T is a durational performance culminating out of observations of the training methods of competitive college cheerleaders. Using minimalist stainless steel armature and pedestals, the artist creates equipment that accommodates the female form to enact movements that instinctually elicit pain. The sculptures highlight how this response, either erotic or violent, is inherently connected to the drive to compete. For the performance five uniformed cheerleaders will alternate between spotting for each other, stretching, and balancing on the sculptures. The work as the artist states, “examines the impossible space between the feminist embrace of fragility and the hyper-feminine viewed as threat.”
This performance will be held during BRIC's Open House / Open Studios: Summer 2019 Artists event in the main gallery and is a part of the ongoing exhibition Serious Play.
Check out the full Happy Island video referenced in the still image here!
Serious Play: Translating Form, Subverting Meaning is devoted to an exploration of forms of play as a process in contemporary art. Traditionally seen as an activity of childhood, for enjoyment and recreation rather than for serious or practical purpose, play is also at the heart of artistic practice. Processes and values that inform play – making, taking apart and crafting back together, transforming space, and improvising – can be equally applied to the process of artistic creation in the studio. Serious intent, however, defines artists engaging in the realm of play.
Artists Chris Bogia, Damien Davis, Kat Chamberlin, and Ronny Quevedo provide tools to embolden the viewer through the act of play to think differently about issues of gender, race, and class. For Amanda Valdez and Julien Gardair, play with the materiality of paint and cloth instructs an awareness of the mutability of shapes and ideas. For all six artists, embracing the forms of childhood play that encourage experimentation, chance, failure, and humor provides a roadmap into better ways of being in the world.
Venue Information:
The 3,000 square-foot Gallery in BRIC House has soaring 18-foot ceilings that permit major exhibitions focusing on emerging and mid-career artists and curators.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org