The Goddess of Mercy’s features slowly emerge with each and every one of the sculptor’s strike and chisel. The fallen marble chips scattered on the ground are still cast by the breath of the goddess and morph into vivid animals in the work Guanyin. Collect--cleanse--remodel.
Opening Reception on 5/24 (Sat.)
Curator: Chun-Yi CHANG
Today, we have almost given up the words “genius” or “natural talent” to describe artists. Artists also don’t use splendid techniques or unique literacy or theology to mark their characters. In examples of avant-garde, where “everyone is artists”, or “art is life, life is art”, not only expand the boundary of the arts, but also speaks of the dying of “geniuses”.
Sweetwater is Chen Chia-Jen’s public showcase in Taiwan that features works inspired by a residency program in Indonesia. During the residency, the artist focused his investigation on rivers flowing through the city as well as different ways of life within urban and rural water systems. A few video and photographic installation pieces are selected to demonstrate his observatio...
In this group exhibition, artists will investigate everything within a physical space as the suggested title, in how it can be a “resembled” reality: not an objective reality. It should have organism that is filled with elegant temperaments, as if “filled with intangible essence”, even mixed with poetic ingredient as on-site intervention.
Alternative Space? Artist-run Space?
Alright, so today we have reached an understanding that “alternative space” has merely a historical connotation left, whereas “artist-run space” cuts directly to the chase, but still nothing is explained through these terms. We suggest a temporary halt on the investigation of terminology. The significance lies in what we do, what we did and what we will be doing next.
So what have you been up to?
In short, we practice art and curate exhibitions. When able, we also organize forums, launch publications and initiate projects for international artistic exchange. If you haven’t the time to read the brief introduction on the back, all you need to remember is this: our job is to generate new dialogues between art and the public and to offer the world something different for a change, or at the very least, we try our best when making mistakes.
Why not simply focus on practicing art?
It’s not that simple. In fact, there is no such thing as simply practicing art. Contemporary art and its viewers have broken away from the monotonous relationship of simply paying a visit to the museum. Whether people are aware of it or not, art has undoubtedly permeated into every aspect of our lives. Therefore, a genuine art practitioner would not shy away when met face to face with genuine public issues. We simply want to do it better.
Where does your funding come from?
Unemployment subsidies. That was a joke. We operate with funds which come from our own pockets and occasional help from limited government funding—translation: we are often short of cash.
Are all members artists?
We were founded as an artist-based organization, but are delighted to have recruited more and more members from interdisciplinary professions in recent years. As for the artists, you may still catch a glimpse of them from time to time carrying a spear and shield, riding a scrawny horse and followed around by a fox hound.
Can I join?
Certainly, you are most welcome to join us. Please note, however, this is not a recruitment ad. Despite our wish to recruit more like-minded friends, we hope that all potential members first try to understand our situation before participating in anything. Acknowledgement of the process is in itself an important form of participation, which means that everything you imagine could be possible. In other words, we would love your attention starting from now.
How does one follow you?
This is an important question but extremely easy to achieve. Simply follow these steps:
(1) like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/opencontemporary
(2) e-mail us at [email protected];
(3) visit us and chat with us whenever
you’re free. You may even receive a cup of freshly brewed coffhee.
Do you accept donations?
Please don’t ask, just act!
