A new art exhibition opens Friday, January 18th, from
3:00-4:30, in the Len G. Everett Gallery of Hewes Library. The opening reception, gallery talk 3:30pm by artist Elizabeth Folk, is free and open to the public.
Statement
from the artist:
"You Are A Monument explores contemporary notions of
monumentality and sovereignty in a politically complex time. The works include
an installation of sixteen flags, a rideable plush “equestrian statue,” and an
accompanying performative video. The flags combine text from locally-sourced
Illinois personal ads and symbols, created from randomly selected objects
“for sale” on local Craigslist ads. Random juxtapositions of
everyday objects and missed connections are re-presented utilizing flags,
“chrome” poles, and a “bronze” statue on a plinth: the language of
power. The toy-like equestrian statue evokes mental images of an out of
control childish icon. The video seems playful at first, but as it slows
the “horse” and rider fling about violently and the audio reveals an inner and
unexpected menace. In an iconoclastic time where historic monuments
celebrating ugly parts of American history are highly contested, the statue and
video seek to defamiliarize the equestrian statue itself as an
iconic symbol. By monumentalizing the everyday interactions of the
people of the greater Monmouth area, the exhibition raises the question of how
and why we choose to celebrate our history."
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