Dis/Functional, an exhibition of installation art, casts the artist, rather than the scientist, in the role of expert authority and aesthetic interpreter. Just as anthropologists, archaeologists, sociologists and historians grapple with persistent issues of religion, social and sexual relationships, education, politics and technology, the artists in this exhibition attempt to create a dialogue with the viewer about these subjects. Unlike scientists, however, their work leaves these issues open to individual interpretation, rather than striving to establish any “absolute truth”. Though scientific pronouncements may once have been accepted as black and white, and essentially unassailable, current post-modern skepticism now informs our approach to these areas. This exhibition underscores the prevailing skepticism of our time.
What ultimately unites the artists of Dis/Functional is the medium of installation. The seven artists selected alter space to focus their audience visually upon questions of function and purpose. They incite the viewer to creative thought, sparking debate on problematic matters, rather than promoting complacent acceptance of pat answers and generally accepted truisms.
The seven artists featured in the exhibition include:
- Dan Collins
- Vernon Fisher
- Jenny Holzer
- Barbara Penn
- Joyan Saunders
- Herb Stratford
- Francesc Torres
A reception for the artists took place Saturday, September 20, 1997 from 7 -9pm.
The event was a dual reception with the exhibition Token City.
For more information contact John Spiak at spiak@asu.edu.
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