Artur Zmijewski, “Powtorzenie” (Repetition), DVD, master DV, 2005 via Culture PL.

Currently on view at X Initiative as part of Phase 3 is a comprehensive solo exhibition of work by the controversial artist Artur Zmijewski.  It is easy to misunderstand and disprove of Zmijewski’s intentions, and easier to feel uncomfortable and conflicted by his video propositions.  This conclusive installation in a year-long experimental non-profit space marks a culmination of its mission to “inspire and challenge us to think about new possibilities for experiencing and producing contemporary art.”  Mr. Zmijewski reminds us that the experience of art can be as challenging as its production. The subject matter he explores is often heavy, the manner of delivery – raw, frank, often unedited – documentary.  The videos resemble an archive of a continuous social experiment where social situations, belief systems, reality and memory are test-driven for their endurance.

“80064”, DVD, master DV, 9’20”, 2004 via NY Times and Culture PL.

Zmijewski’s work is politically oriented as much as it is emotionally moving and complex. He acts as an activating agent by creating scenarios and situations in which initially passive and apathetic participants are galvanized and stirred, their actions documented and on view.

More text, images and related links after the jump…
(more…)

Performa 09 party via Artinfo

-To benefit Performa 09, party designer Jennifer Rubell invites 600 guests to “Creation” held at X Initiative in Chelsea in New York, where 3,600 drinking glasses, a pyramid of unshelled peanuts and 2,000 pound hillock of honey-soaked ribs were among the excess of food being served (Performa 09/ Food for Thought) [The Moment]

-In related, To mark the start of Performa 09 MoMA invited Fischerspooner to stage a show (Performance Art Enters the Museum) [Artinfo]

-In related, At Haunch of Venison in New York Marina Abramovich, Leandro Erlich, Mickalene and Rob Wynn pair with NYC pastry chefs to create performances; cakes were served by topless models (Kreemart or Cream Art Performance at Haunch of Venison) [NY Art Beat]

-Bikes used by Lance Armstrong and with frames designed by contemporary artists fetch $1.3 million at auction in Sotheby’s, among them Damien Hirst’s sold for $500,000 (Armstrong’s Tour de France Bikes Fetch $1.3 Million at Auction) [Bloomberg]

To stay apprised of most of the relevant art news for this past week… (more…)

‘Warriors. Four Films by Luke Fowler,’ installation view at X Initiative

Currently on view at the Dia Foundation’s former space in Chelsea is Phase Two of the X Initiative, featuring solo shows of three European artists: Keren Cytter, Luke Fowler, and Tris Vonna-Michell.  This is the first major solo show in the US for each artist, all of whom participated in the New Museum’s triennial earlier this year, ‘The Generational: Younger Than Jesus.’ Phase Two also includes ‘Today and Everyday,’ a group show that presents artworks in the context of a still life photograph, an installation, and lastly, a memento. X Initiative is a not-for-profit association of artists, curators, dealers, and other professionals led by dealer Elizabeth Dee, using the Dia space for one year, starting in March, as an alternative arts space.

X Initiative
Unspooling Time Loops [NY Times]
BOMB on the Inside: X Initiative [BOMB]
X Marks the Spot [V Magazine]

(more…)