From the Organizers:
“Featuring work by some 14 artists and collaboratives, Mythmakers embodies the youthful, make-your-own-fun, do-it-yourself-and-together spirit of the Kansas City art scene. Organized by artist/curator Megan Mantia, the densely packed exhibition will showcase a cross-section of emerging artists who place themselves at the center of their work, constructing mythic personas and fantasy narratives that fuse autobiographical aspects with illusions of grandeur, typically with a sizeable dose of humor thrown in as well.
“While expressed through diverse media and formats, this personal mythmaking frequently involves performative elements, which this exhibition will emphasize. Opening night will feature ‘scheduled activations of personalities and installations,’ says Mantia, who also notes that the collaborative nature of many of these artists’ work will encourage audience participation.
“‘These artists offer sharp pop-culture commentary, and are proud of their Midwestern origins,’ writes Mantia, who is herself a member of Rah! Booty, Whoop Dee Doo, and Ssion. ‘They start with something personal, and twist it until even the oddest attribute is admirable and accessible. Most distinctively, this art takes fantasy and fabricates it for interaction — each artist involves the community in their work, and lavishes thought and attention on their potential audience. And all of these artists work fast and energetically- the excitement is in trying to keep up.’
“Featured artists include Megan Mantia, Drew Bolton, Spencer Brown, Cody Critcheloe, Kyle Devine, Ariel Hart, Hooliganship, Lamano, Dustin Maberry, Rah Booty!, Leone Anne Reeves, Elisha Stetson, Ryan Tacata, Jaimie Warren + Ariel Williams.”
Location: Charlotte Street Foundation (1828 Walnut, KCMO)
Opening with special performances: Friday, November 20 from 6-9pm
Exhibition on view: November 20, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Hours: Thursday + Saturday, 12-5pm
posted by: Tricia Rock
Tags: art, design, event, gallery, gallery opening, kansas city
