FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Puffin Foundation Ltd. is proud to announce the opening of the PUFFIN
ROOM, a not-for-profit exhibition space at 435 Broome Street, dedicated
to creating a welcoming environment in which to view art, affording direct
communications between individuals and the creative community. The mission
of the space will be to aid committed artists and curators, by supplying
the implements for exhibitions, dance, symposia, theatre, video and performance.
In fashioning a vibrant and responsive gallery/space, the Puffin Room will
explore the evolving art of our time, so that in all forms contemporary
art can be made more accessible to diverse audiences. The director for visual
arts is Kenny Schachter, an independent curator and lecturer based in New
York.
The inaugural exhibition is entitled "Pre-Existing Condition".
In the parlance of the health insurance industry, it is fraud to deny a
pre-existing medical condition, yet, coverage will be denied if you admit
such a condition. This irreconcilable situation serves to blur the line
between what is morally and legally permissible versus concern with practical
consequences of actions. You can believe influences modify the expression
of an individual's heredity; that human characteristics are dictated solely
by inheritance, or a combination of both. Regardless, whether related to
health, sexuality, gender, race, religion, or whatever, there are some things
beyond the power of the will, that we should not unduly suffer for.
Emblematic of a society which constantly floats conflicting signals on issues
like AIDS, prejudice, health care and violence, there are a wealth of tendencies,
traits, and circumstances simultaneously accepted and stigmatized. Through
painting, sculpture, video, installation, and performance, 15 artists of
divergent ethical and aesthetic stripes will present work which in some
way reflects unalterable behavior originating below the conscious level.
For the duration of the show, the space will serve as an informal cafe,
with a schedule of performances and dance, establishing a social setting
in which to commiserate and celebrate. To begin a long term series of conversations
with the public about our purpose and events, a panel discussion will be
held with the directors, participating artists and contemporary critics
to explicate the works and issues involved the show. Further, information
will be available regarding providers of low cost health insurance, with
a focus for those in the arts, to clarify and compare different methods
of coverage.
KS
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