Archive for November, 2009

Surprise visit from Jane Crawford

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

A few weeks ago Boots Contemporary Art Space was honored by a visit from Jane Crawford, Director of the Estate of Gordon Matta-Clark who is also the late artists wife.  Her visit coincided with the last week of Theaster Gates’ installation, which had themes similar to the works on exhibit at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts.

Boots Director, Juan William Chavez and Mrs. Crawford had a pleasant informal chat about Theaster’s exhibition, the work of Gordon Matta-Clark and the role that Boots Contemporary Art Space plays in the Cherokee neighborhood.  It was an amazing Day!

web-Jane-Crawford,-Matta-Clark's-wife

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

i.e. opening Ross Moreno & Justin Cooper performs

Monday, November 9th, 2009

There was a great turn out for last nights opening for i.e. presents: The 7th Annual Midwestern Assorted Produce Snuff Shorts Film Triennial at Boots Contemporary Art Space. The show consists of several video installations by the artists that make up the loose collective i.e. which includes Benjamin Bellas, Clinton King, Noelle Mason, Magda Wong, Justin Cooper and Ross Moreno.

At Friday nights opening there were two performances by artists Justin Cooper and Ross Moreno that were a stark contrast to the last opening Holiness: in 3 parts by Theaster Gates in which a poet, church choir and the Black Monks of the Mississippi moved the audience with up lifting charismatic music inspired by the black church. Cooper and Moreno moved the audience as well but in a much more combative and confrontational way. The audience was left feeling uncomfortable and slightly confused.

Ross Moreno started the evening off with a bang; dressed in a rainbow clown wig, suspenders and a Speedo, he attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the “Most Balloon Animals Twisted in One Hour.” It became clear during the performance that Moreno was not prepared to accomplish his goal. He struggled to twist balloons into dogs, flowers and other unrecognizable forms. Balloons exploded and deflated flying across the gallery as a timer counted down the hour. At one point he gave up and stormed out, only to be coaxed back by a supportive audience. The tension and frustration built till finally Moreno completely defeated and extremely agitated unleashed his anger toward the spectators. “I twist for tips”, he yelled which made some members of the audience question whether they were supposed to actually tip him money for the performance. Moreno was inspired by balloon animals  as entertainment and  regulary appearing at IHOP to perform for customers while they wait for their food.

In the second performance, Justin Cooper came out to a wild round of applause generated in part by a recording coming from speakers and by people in the crowd. Just as the host of a late night talk show or comedy club would give thanks and appreciations, Cooper encouraged the show of hands. After this went on for several minutes he tried to quiet the audience down so he could deliver his performance, but just as things started to settle, a few the people in the audience would generate another round of applause and cheering. This went on for five or six minutes till it became apparent that Cooper was becoming frustrated and annoyed that he was unable to proceed. He tried to remain composed and would once again thank the audience allowing the applause to continue for a few more minutes. As the crowd began to catch on and more people started clapping, Cooper became irate, screaming at us to stop, begging us to please shut up, which only caused more applause. This felt like it could go on all night with no end and certainly could have, till Cooper finally broke character, laughed and thanked the people in the gallery.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

i.e. member Ross Moreno Opening Night

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Rosswithumbrella

i.e. member Ross Moreno will be performing at the opening reception: Friday November 6th 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Come witness butoh 2.0 performance artist Ross Moreno in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “Most Balloon Animals Twisted in One Hour.” Ross Moreno is well known in the record breaking community for his unsuccessful attempts at breaking the record for “The World’s Tallest Towerof Dice” and ”The World’s Largest Candy Heart.” Ross Moreno currently holds fifth degree black belt in balloon twisting, having successfully passed the certification quiz at both the International House of Pancakes and the Olive Garden.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »