Housed on the Contemporary Arts Center's second floor gallery, Archive as Action meets three Cincinnati-based artists — Amanda Curreri, Lindsey Whittle and Calcagno Cullen — at their intersection.
Each artists' space is distinct in style yet feels harmonious when seen as a whole. It asks the trio to peer into their own art histories and re-contextualize their work; the work featured is continuously evolving, being added to and reaches beyond the white cube.
And part of that evolution is in the community's hands. Throughout the exhibit's run (it closes June 16), participative and open events are slated. From noon-5 p.m. on Thursdays, bring your laptop and grab coffee from the lobby: Coworking with Cal will connect you with Cullen, who has transformed her space into an unconventional office. You can also add to her growing collection of information via one of her interactive displays, like by writing a letter to New York or leaving a voicemail detailing whatever moment you wish to share.
In a similar vein, a colorful display of funky shapes — which Whittle says was her biggest challenge to date — asks you to play around with their arrangement. Take them off the wall, figure out how to wear them, make your own. It's up to you. You can send your results to Whittle via social media.
From noon-4 p.m. on weekdays, you may hear the hum of a sewing machine — that'd be Curreri's "RopeWalk" crew. On the back wall hang braided strands of rope made from recycled material. You can add to that growing collection, which will convene as a performance art event and part of the This Time Tomorrow festival in April. Participants will come together to create multi-colored ropes that will span the Purple People Bridge, a site that’s connected to the history of slavery and acts as a dividing line between the North and South; the walk is meant to represent public healing.
Events and performances will run through the exhibit; check contemporaryartscenter.org for more info.
