Mutualisms

–

Mutualisms Publication: we are currently working on Proximity issue nr 10, which will be the Mutualisms issue with contributions of the participating artists and amongst the writers are: Karsten Lund, Mary Jane Jacobs, Tricia Van Eck, Abigail Satinsky, Jermiah Day, Rune Peitersen, Anne Elisabeth Moore, Erik Hagoort and Caroline Picard. The publication is expected to come out in Oct. 2012.

Mutualisms Show: September 9 – September 25, 2011, Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219-21 South Morgan Street, Chicago

‘Mutualisms’ is a collaborative curatorial project organized by Lise Haller Baggesen and Kirsten Leenaars, exploring the ways in which networks of friendship and artistic collaboration can be used as a model for curating. ‘Mutualisms’ is looking into artistic strategies for finding hospitality and exchange in the context of contemporary art practices as well our own social domain.

Eight Dutch and eight American artists/artist duos were paired and worked together to create a collaborative presentation of their works. Iris Kensmil & Carol Jackson, Rune Peitersen & Mark Jeffery & Judd Morrissey, Marjolijn Dijkman & Lora Lode/Kevin Kaempf, Jonas Ohlsson & Selina Trepp, Magnus Monfeldt & Harold Mendez, Maurice Bogaert & Trevor Gainer, Caroline Stikker/Philippine Hoegen & Aron Gent and Saskia Janssen/George Korsmit & Adelheid Mers.

Mutualisms Symposium, Sunday September 11, 1-5 pm at Co-Prosperity Sphere

A conversation with the participating Mutualisms artists will be followed by a panel discussion on ‘art and reciprocity’ moderated by Dutch art critic Erik Hagoort and Chicago based writer Caroline Picard. Panel memebers: Karsten Lund, Abigail Satinsky, Jason Pallas, Rune Peitersen, Philippine Hoegen, Kevin Kaempf, Lora Lode, Marjolijn Dijkman, Ani Holm.

Art & Reciprocity

In general reciprocity is valued positively, and so in contemporary art. Reciprocity has become a buzzword, especially since the rise of interactive art practices, in which the public in one way or another is invited to participate. The appreciation of reciprocity has challenged the conventional distance and hierarchy between art, artists and the public. It has also triggered collaboration among artists. Yet, if reciprocity becomes normative, we may start to feel uneasy. Expectations for ‘something in return’ can restrict freedom and autonomy. In the arts a strong tradition has opposed reciprocity; art’s autonomy should prevail above exchange. So, the question is: what about art and reciprocity?

Images Show:

The making of Mutualisms: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150327090393469.372739.816288468&type=3&l=5569090def

The opening of Mutualisms: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150327124108469.372748.816288468&type=3&l=95716cdfef

Blog Links:

Mutualisms blog: http://mutualisms.wordpress.com/

Art & Reciprocity blog: http://artandreciprocity.wordpress.com/

Propeller Fund: http://www.propellerfund.org/projects

How to get to Mutualisms: Bad at Sports Interview Lise Baggesen and Kirsten Leenaars by Caroline Picard:

‘Mutualisms’ is supported, in part, by public funds from the Netherlands Cultural Services, the Mondriaan Foundation and the Propeller Fund.