Group shows usually make me want to run screaming in the opposite direction. These showings come across as case studies in how the cult of the individual & self branding movements converge out of economic necessity or public relations strategy. Often a hodgepodge of artists working in varied mediums group, shows read as a collection of mini galleries where each artist gets their moment in the viewer's visual stage. Part of the issue I feel is the space in which group shows usually are held: Sales Galleries intended to showcase a single artist.
Opening parties at these shows illustrate important context of placement & the power of setting has upon one's experience. Over crowding and pack behavior seem to be the standard fare when several artist's social network are all holding space to show support at openings.
BETA Spaces avoiding the expectations of traditional space is holding it's annual collection of group shows on Sunday, November 14th. Last year I wandered several blocks from show to show and began to open my mind to enjoying art in a group showing setting. With over 50 curated showings all within walking distance of the Morgan Stop on the L it makes a great post brunch adventure.
The Loom, the newest of the factory turned multi use space on the Flushing avenue East Williamsburg/ Bushwick line will be playing host to two separate group shows.
Make a day of it! Here's what I would do if I wasn't helping out with American Trash:
Take the L Train to Morgan Avenue. Get brunch at Roberta's or Jens-n-Outlaw's Fish Fry Truck wander south aiming for The Loom. Pick up a map and start exploring.
Sunday, November 14 · 12:00pm - 5:00pm
A BETA Spaces group show hosted by House of Choclet & www.Billyburgwick.org examining America's sorted relationship with refuse.
Original Works by:
Paul Brainard, Walt Cessna, Emma Choi, Jillian Corbett, Debbie Davies, Charlotte Ghiorse, Scooter LaForge, Jim McDonnell & Christopher Stribley.
Join us at East Williamsburg's The Loom on
November 14th for an afternoon of music, food and trash.
