UNLEARNING
PRESS RELEASE
December 1, 1991 - January 31, 1992


This show is an attempt to inaugurate a forum for the presentation of artistic output, including performances, lectures, videos and artworks. Artistic activities in a conventional gallery space housing furniture, food and drink, will create an atmosphere of open discussion, establishing conditions to potentially broaden the audience that ordinarily visits shows beyond the present art-going public.

The format of this show contrasts with the usual sterile Soho gallery environment, where a zero-sum mentality exists: one dealer or artist's advancement is at another's expense. The resulting competitiveness creates a situation where power is shared by few and relationships are guarded by participants in the art world like state secrets. Working within these confines, one is expected to conform to a set of unspoken rules which prescribe permissible conduct for the roles of artist, dealer, curator and collector. Any blurring of responsibility within these spheres can result in pariah status. This exhibition is intended as an alternative to such a state of affairs.

"Unlearning" is an attempt to usher in a place where it is OK to express the humorous and instinctual aspects of human nature in a social space. A percentage of the art proceeds will benefit the homeless.