Is Karaoke just a release from a hard day at the office or can it be something more?

Do karaoke singers become temporary vehicles for words that are never quite theirs?

Is karaoke a global Esperanto that unites people or a mass produced catharsis for alienated cultural spectators?

As a form of entertainment, karaoke has become tremendously popular in the U.S. since the 1990s. Once primarily a Japanese pastime, this leisure activity now features prominently in Western culture. Whether symptomatic of a hectic work week or a fascination with star culture, karaoke's penetration into American life has increasingly influenced contemporary artists. Looking at the role of karaoke art in the wake of reality television programs, from the Real World to American Idol, Contemporary Art and Karaoke contextualizes karaoke in popular culture and art.

Curated by Maiza Hixson

Artists: Joel Armor, Candice Breitz, Phill Collins, Mark Harris, David Herbert, Mehdi Hercberg, Christian Jankowski, Ryan Mulligan, Marisa Olson, Reid Radcliffe and Jose Versoza

Mondays, May 26 - August 25 • 6-8 pm • Level 4
Walt's Karaoke Bar and Café, every Monday throughout the run of the exhibition
Artist-as-karaoke jockey Joel Armor explores human behavior and social interaction through this global pop cultural phenomenon. Perform your favorite songs on this site-specific stage. Cash bar featuring specialty karaoke cocktails.

Mark Harris, Mao Songs, 2006, single channel video. Courtesy of the artists.
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