Photo: Olimpia Dior
When an artist exhibits at a gallery, there is traditionally a festivity to kick the exhibition off called an “opening.” You’ve been to a few. Usually, you only look at the art if you don’t know anyone and feel awkward, or if you’re stuck talking to someone it’s getting awkward. With Susan Cianciolo, things work a little differently. Community and participation are inherent to Cianciolo’s art. Not in a gimmicky way, either: you can’t-do a restaurant installation at the Whitney without a community of hungry people participate. But the restaurant is merely the easiest example. The importance of participation runs through everything Cianciolo does, so when she has an opening, it’s proper to call it an event. Check out Olimpia’s photos for a full sense of the mood at last week’s opening, and then swing by Bridget Donahue for a look at the exhibit itself.
