KRISTIN BLY: MORE WORK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KRISTIN BLY: MORE WORK

CAC welcomes back artist Kristin Bly for a site-related, incognito project in Level 2 Lower

August 16 - September 7, 2008

CINCINNATI—Artist Kristin Bly goes undercover in plain sight in a new gallery project at the Contemporary Arts Center, on view through September 7, 2008. In Kristin Bly: More Work, CAC’s Level 2 Lower gallery appears to be in a dual state of de-installation and installation, a work in progress. The exhibition stage is set, but the preparator, crew and apparent artwork are absent. Visitors step into what remains: equipment that serves no discernable function, building materials in various states of installation, exposed wiring and naked wall frames.

"Bly's art appears as though labor or construction were taking place in the gallery; it is somewhat invisible in this way. The artist lets you look for art rather than tell you where and what it is,” says Maiza Hixson, CAC Associate Curator and curator of this project. “Upon entering the gallery, visitors will find mysterious objects camouflaged among tools and hardware that at first glance seem quite ordinary but that upon closer inspection reveal enigmatic functions, pointing to signs of labor that mirror the sometimes inexplicable nature of both life and art."

While in the context of an installation-in-progress, each part of Bly’s project looks as though it belongs there and that it serves a distinct purpose. Visitors are invited to investigate and discern the purpose of the objects and the function of the machines. The assembled works “function” as much as any art object “functions.”

"One thing I've discovered about myself through making art,” says Bly, “is that I'm the kind of artist who likes to take very common things, even trash at times, and—through some affected action of labor—transform those things into some almost ridiculously fussed-over image."

Bly takes inspiration from French artist Marcel Duchamp, who proposed the idea of “readymade” art:  ordinary or found objects, presented in a gallery context, signed by the artist as works of art. 

Visitors are invited to “discover” Kristin Bly: More Work in the Level 2 Lower gallery.

Labor Day celebration of Kristin Bly: More Work September 1, 6 pm, Level 4
Fittingly, the weekly art installation-come-to-life Walt’s karaoke bar celebrates Kristin Bly on Labor Day. Join Bly and Associate Curator Maiza Hixson as they sing karaoke in celebration of More Work September 1 at 6 pm.

About the Contemporary Arts Center

Founded in November 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary women in Cincinnati, Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the U.S. dedicated to exhibiting the art of our time. In May 2003, the Center relocated to its first free-standing home, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, designed by Zaha Hadid. Throughout its distinguished history, the Center has earned a reputation for stimulating thought and introducing new ideas by presenting the work of diverse artists from around the world, including hundreds of now-famous artists such as Laurie Anderson, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Nam June Paik, I.M. Pei, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. CAC focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media, presenting eight to 12 exhibitions and 20 to 40 performances annually.
The CAC receives ongoing support from: Fine Arts Fund; Ohio Arts Council; City of Cincinnati; The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, City of Cincinnati Arts Grant Recipient.; The Kettering Fund; and the generous contributions and grants of individuals and corporations and foundations, CAC memberships, facility rentals, special events and sales from the CAC Store.

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