Nora Ligorano/Marshall Reese, Larry Litt @ The Kitchen

Two videos reflecting on public trust betrayal and
necessary acts of citizenship…
August 27-September 3

·Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese: Lineup: The Unofficial Portraits
·Larry Litt: Before You Don’t Vote… Advice to the Angry, Apathetic and Alienated

From August 27 through September 3, 2004, The Kitchen Art Gallery presents two video screenings reflecting on media, language and power. Offered in conjunction with the Imagine Festival, this program aims to raise consciousness on simple acts of citizenship (like voting) as important and necessary engagements in political action. Voter registration materials will be available in the space. The Kitchen Art Gallery is open from 12-6pm everyday, except August 29. Admission is free. A reception will be held during the opening on Friday, August 27 from 5-7pm.

With the slide show, Lineup: The Unofficial Portraits, New York-based artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese examine public trust and its too frequent abuse and betrayal by political figures. Key members of President Bush’s cabinet are displayed in prisoners’ mug shot format-a form of portraiture which has arguably become prevalent in a country with the highest world population of incarcerated. The subjects are identified with recent dates of national policy announcements in print and electronic media, alluding to them as “criminals who have betrayed public trust.” A postcard edition of the work will be available for distribution.

Before You Don’t Vote…-a documentary video by media artist/journalist Larry Litt-features fast-paced, cross-cut interviews with over fifty politically involved American writers, artists and activists commenting on democracy’s past, present and future. This critical, witty 24-minute work offers a wide range of point of views, intending to stimulate conversation about social and political issues. Before You Don’t Vote… Advice to the Angry, Apathetic and Alienated was commissioned by the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art. Its screening at Imagine Festival will be its first NY non-academic showing in public. Educational-discussion guidelines will be available.

This event is presented as part of the Imagine Festival of Arts, Issues & Ideas, a citywide cultural festival designed to inspire, instigate and support civic engagement. From August 28-September 2 the Imagine Festival will present over 100 cultural events in 6 days including concerts, performances, forums, town meetings, exhibits, screenings, and other issue-based artworks. www.imagine04.org

Artists:
Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese: have a longtime practice of art and political commentary, including their Pure Products of America series, video-portrait installations, and a new-site specific piece Free Speech Zone currently on view at the Brooklyn Public library, Grand Army Plaza.

Larry Litt’s first Blame Show video, Dissent = Freedom, was commissioned by White Box in 2001. His second video, Polite, Politic and Political, was commissioned by the Queens Museum of Art in 2002. Before You Don't Vote… is in the collections of over 50 academic and arts institutions where it will be screened prior to Election Day.