Friday June 12, 2009
Dear Henry,
Hi, I love you. We’ve met on several occasions (I worked for you as a Gallery Attendant in 2000), and I talk about you on my blog rather often (gettingtoknowyoubetter.wordpress.com). You are super. You have style and class, and you hit the nail on the head a good 8.5 times out of 10.
I have a great idea that YOU are a part of! I think we should create a “Seattle Exchange Program” that would be situated in one of your galleries!
Together (my contribution would be of no cost to you) we would explore the cities of the world, depositing Seattle artists in them, and in exchange, gathering artists to show here in our Seattle Exchange Program. (We could think of a new name if you don’t like that one.)
For example, I happen to know of the perfect space in Berlin where a group of Seattle artists could have a show. Simultaneous to this show in Berlin would be a show here in Seattle featuring work of some Berlin artists. Then a few months later, a different group of Seattle artists would show in, say, Austin, and Austin artists would show here in Seattle. I am sure YOU know of possible exhibition spaces in most cities anywhere! You are grand.
We could play with themes and curatorial ideas, so that there might be two exhibitions on different sides of the globe tackling the same concept. The inherent messages and audiences would be initially transplanted in physical location, but would ultimately take on a boomerang effect: The scope and intent of the exhibitions will have been made more significant by their travels.
I imagine this being a kind of process-based endeavor, where the focus is on the act of exchange rather than making the pristine exhibitions you’re known for. The exhibitions might be messy and alive and possibly perfect in their imperfections.
If you don’t want to devote one of your beautiful galleries to this project, I bet we could think of some kind of satellite space. The possibilities are endless, don’t you think?
The economy is rough, and you’ve probably suffered budget cuts in recent months. Programs are dying and relationships ending. Maybe that makes this the perfect occasion to sow some new seeds?
I hope this doesn’t come across as flippant; please know that you have my heart. I could shop my affections elsewhere, but it just wouldn’t be the same.
Love,
Susanna
This is great. I love it!
No, I wasn’t drunk-dialing when I wrote this.
Der.
{giving self “shithead” tattoo on forehead.}
I too think this is a great idea. It opens up so much possibility for collaboration and discussion. Artists could use this as a chance to learn about a new community and consider how their vernacular applies to the unfamiliar. It could really connect the audience to work they may not have otherwise considered.
Hey! Thanks for the love!
Even if you WERE drunk-dialing us, that’s OK. Let’s talk! There are some ways to propose this to the curatorial team, and they’re open to ideas.
-Betsey
betsey@henryart.org
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