The artists and curators Shoshana Brand and xtine have launched their new public art project, the site www.knockingonbricks.com. The project includes 18 international artists.

First Brand and xtine composed absurd proposal letters and mailed them to different national institutions and well-known public personas. Shortly after the expected rejection letters arrived, they extended themselves into an individual creation of two-dimensional artwork, by mentoring, curating and promoting an international group of visual artists to create artwork addressing the absurd proposals, which had already been rejected. The final step includes essays written by well-known visual artists, commenting on the topic of rejection and personal success in the art arena.

KNOCKING ON BRICKS subverts the dynamic force of creation in the face of rejection. The artists deliberately chose to empower themselves by writing towards decisive refusals, and once their proposal was delivered they visited their mailbox daily in hopes of finding a letter of rejection. They received one rejection letter after another, some sent only one week after they mailed their proposal. Should it be considered a success or failure? Was it the result of an unusual talent or merely blind luck? The artists were amazed to find throughout the process of writing, deliverance and anticipation that they transcended the aching concept of rejection by transforming it into a work of art.

Launched on April 24, 08 the website has already had more than 5000 visitors from around the globe.