The Future of Nations
THE FUTURE OF NATIONS
2008 Season of Exhibitions
September 29, 2007 – December 19, 2008
Opening reception event: Saturday, January 26, 6-9:00
“We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.” John F. Kennedy
Santa Monica, CA – As part of its mission to create a forum for civic engagement through the arts, 18th Street Arts Center proudly presents “The Future of Nations,” their 2008 season of exhibitions dedicated to examining the issues related to the 2008 presidential campaign. While doubling as a legal polling place throughout 2008, 18th Street is the only arts center in southern California devoting an entire season to artists who are addressing issues surrounding the election.
“The Future of Nations” aims to address many issues that will determine the future of this country. Using the broad themes of the Constitution, Demographics, Environment and War, artists and curators will create a forum for the issues of our time while examining this country’s highly politicized demeanor.
The event will also be reflective of a diversity of opinions and art-making practices. “The artists involved come from diverse political, religious, cultural, and artistic backgrounds. This is not a monolithic group espousing a narrow political art agenda,” says 18th Street Artistic Director Clayton Campbell. “Rather it is a group of humanists who care about the quality of life around us and feel their contributions are part of mainstream cultural and social conversations.
“Everywhere I have been over the past three years, artists and curators have obsessively talked about the Bush administration, the Iraq war, immigration, abortion, all of the hot button issues that directly affect our lives,” Campbell continues. “Yet not one arts organization or arts gallery was taking this on in a significant and sustained manner. There is a tremendous amount of caution and fear in the air. In response 18th Street will provide an outlet for the tremendous unseen energy artists have generated relative to the 2008 Presidential election and all it stands for.”
18th Street Arts Center is dedicated to providing direct support to artists and has awarded fellowships to Linda Pollack, Tyler Stallings, and Al Nodal. They will curate exhibitions in the 18th Street main gallery. Additionally, artists Kyungmi Shin, Amitis Motevalli, and Los Animistas have received fellowships to create new installation work in 18th Street’s Project Room Gallery, which has been opened especially for “The Future of Nations” season. Campbell adds, “As a leading alternative arts center in the United States, this is the mission, and therefore the role, I see for 18th Street Arts Center: to question, probe, reflect on tough subjects that other cultural institutions or market driven venues will not address.”
The yearlong exhibit is supported by grants by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Asian Cultural Council, Australia Council for the Arts, California Community Foundation, Circuit City Stores Inc., the Durfee Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, InterfaceFLOR, Los Angeles Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, the Peter Norton Family Foundation, the Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, and the Trust for Mutual Understanding.
Schedule of Exhibitions
January 14, 2008 – March 28, 2008
“Patriot Acts” and “The Habeas Lounge”
Curated by Linda Pollack, and featuring the installation, the Habeas Lounge
With Francesca Zeal Harris, Sara Hendren, Vincent Johnson, Hillary Mushkin, Meena Nanji + Tommy Gear, Adam Overton, Rebecca Ripple, Susan Silton, Pam Strugar, and Shirley Tse
April 12-June 13, 2008
“100% Other: Artists and Psycho-Demographic Transitions”
Curated by Tyler Stallings, featuring artist fellow Kyungmi Shin
With Matthew Bryant, Cheryl Gilge, Perry Vasquez and Yasuko.
July 12-September 19, 2008
“Environments”*
Curated by Al Nodal, featuring artist fellows Los Animistas
With Ala Plastica (Argentina), Los Animistas (US/Cuba), Lauren Bon (US), BULBO (Mexico) CoLabART – Lynn Small/Dennis Paul (US), Fallen Fruit (US), Natalie Jeremijenko (US) Shannon Spanahake (US/MX), Kim Stringfellow (US), Tom Reddock (US), Robert Tannen (US), Echo Park Film Center (US)
October 4-December 19, 2008
“War As A Way of Life”*
Curated by Clayton Campbell, featuring artist fellow Amitis Motevalli
With Cathie Opie, David Reeb, Binh Danh, and Susan Crile
* Full roster of artists still in development
18th Street Arts Center is Southern California’s premier alternative contemporary art and artist residency center, supporting emerging to mid-career artists and arts organizations dedicated to issues of community, diversity, and social justice in contemporary society. 18th Street’s programs include residencies for Los Angeles artists and arts organizations, residencies for international visiting artists, two galleries for visual arts exhibitions, and free art events for the public.
– END January 1, 2009 –
