ANASTASI
BRADSHAW
CAGE
MARIONI
RAUSCHENBERG
TOBEY
1990/2014 Strategies of Non-Intention: John Cage and Artists He Collected
June 12 – September 5, 2014
Opening reception: Thursday, June 12, 6–8pm
SANDRA GERING INC is pleased to present 1990/2014 Strategies of Non-Intention: John Cage and Artists He Collected, a new version of an exhibition that originated in 1990 at Sandra Gering Gallery. Work by the same six artists is included, ranging from drawing to sculpture, installation and performance.
Characterizing these artist’s methods as well as his own, Cage used the term ‘non-intention’ to describe what he hoped was an ‘ego-less’ practice. Examples of the various strategies include working ‘blind’, working with chance operations and engaging unstable materials and weather, all in attempts to subvert conscious thought. In each case, the approach is more physical than psychological. Both versions of Strategies have been curated by the artist Dove Bradshaw, with a catalog for each. Bradshaw has reproduced the original catalog with an interview of Cage by Richard Kostelanitz, and expanded it with an essay of her own. Highlights from the exhibition include a Tom Marioni wall drawing executed by instruction, a fabric work from Rauschenberg’s Hoarfrost series, alchemical processes by Bradshaw, and ‘unsighted’ work by Anastasi, along with a short film showing each of the artists at work. A Tobey monotype formerly from Cage’s collection is also included, as it was in the original exhibition. Bradshaw writes: “The various strategies of non-intention are an attempt to behave like nature that, sans religion, has no intention yet has results.” As with the 1990 exhibition, Strategies has a peaceful, Zen-like quality, surprisingly reminiscent of nature itself.
Summer gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 6pm. For further information please contact Laura Bloom at 646.336.7183 or Laura@sandrageringinc.com. The catalog for Strategies… will be available on line and for sale through the gallery.
