2008 January

CHRISTY RUPP, Extinct Birds Previously Consumed by Humans (From the Brink of Extinction to the Supermarket)

A new installation by Christy Rupp, January 17 – February 16, 2008. Opening reception: Thursday, January 17, 6 -8 pm

Frederieke Taylor Gallery

This work ponders diversity and how we have come to accept living in a time of great extinction. Because environmental systems are much more easily destroyed than replaced, the work muses on the premise that once gone, species can be replaced by the use of human ingenuity and cleverness.

The work was constructed with the assistance of numerous scientists and University Websites, a visit to the American Museum of Natural History’s dark lockers, and many friends who have donated the remains of barbecues and holiday dinners.

Christy Rupp has been making artwork which puts the stain back in sustainability since the 1970’s. From rats and snails to genetic engineering her work has traced the relationship of animal behavior to habitat. As we stampede headfirst over the chemical cliff of oil addiction, the artist has noted ways our perception of abundance shields us from the awareness of the consequences of over consumption.

Christy Rupp is known as a social and political art activist. She participated in the legendary “The Times Square Show” and “The Real Estate show” of 1979-80 and was affiliated with Colab and Group Material. Her most recent shows include “Democracy Was Fun & the L.A. Road Show” at White Box Gallery, NYC, curated by Larry Litt ; “The Downtown Show” at the Grey Art Gallery, NYC, curated by Carlo McCormick; “The Drop” at Exit Art, NYC curated by Amy Lipton & Jeanette Ingberman; “Hybrid Fields” at the Sonoma County Museum, Santa Rosa CA, curated by Tricia Watts; “Person of the Crowd”, curated by Thom Collins, at the Neuberger Museum SUNY Purchase, NY and “Ornithology” curated by Barry Rosenberg at the Contemporary Art Galleries, UConn, Storrs, CT.

Also showing In the Viewing Room, an ongoing flatfile project. This series curated by Paul Bloodgood features works by Chris Astley, Norma Jean Bothmer, Greg Kwiatek, Helen Quinn, and Julia Warr. Gallery hours are:

Tuesday-Saturday, 11 to 6

For further information and visuals,
please contact the gallery.