Group Show 'Conspicuous Unusable' Explores Art's Relationship to Utility at Miguel Abreu Gallery
From June 28 to August 17, 2013, the Miguel Abreu Gallery presented “Conspicuous Unusable,” an exhibition highlighting the works of seven innovative artists. The showcase interrogated the relationship between functionality and waste, drawing inspiration from Heidegger's philosophy. Featured artworks included Dorothea Rockburne's 1970 piece "Study for Scalar," using oil-stained paper, and Olof Inger's 2013 installation "Do You Remember?" crafted from plastic bags. Other significant entries were Jean-Luc Moulène’s 1999 steel sculpture "Chrome" and Cameron Rowland’s 2013 creation "U66." Gabriel Kuri’s 2013 "Two nudes two points," involving crushed cans, added to the thematic depth of the exhibit.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Conspicuous Unusable' runs June 28 to August 17, 2013 at Miguel Abreu Gallery, 36 Orchard Street, New York City.
- Seven artists are included: Rey Akdogan, Olof Inger, Gabriel Kuri, Jean-Luc Moulène, Charlotte Posenenske, Dorothea Rockburne, Cameron Rowland.
- Title draws on Heidegger's concept of objects that become 'conspicuous in their unusability' when no longer used for their assigned role.
- Dorothea Rockburne's 'Study for Scalar' (1970) features six sheets of crude oil-stained paper nailed to chipboards arranged in pairs.
- Olof Inger's 'Do You Remember?' (2013) is a wall hanging made from pale yellow plastic trash bags.
- Jean-Luc Moulène's 'Chrome' (1999) is a steel cage-like sculpture; Cameron Rowland's 'U66' (2013) is a lacquered steel strip.
- Gabriel Kuri's 'Two nudes two points' (2013) includes two crushed soda cans between marble slabs.
- Rey Akdogan's 'Untergerät' (2013) removes white floor tiles to reveal concrete, referencing her 2012 exhibition 'night curtain' at Miguel Abreu.
- Charlotte Posenenske's 'Series D Vierkantrohre (Square Tubes)' (1967/2009) are modular steel structures resembling ventilation pipes.
- Posenenske abandoned art-making for sociology in 1968.
Entities
Artists
- Rey Akdogan
- Olof Inger
- Gabriel Kuri
- Jean-Luc Moulène
- Charlotte Posenenske
- Dorothea Rockburne
- Cameron Rowland
Institutions
- Miguel Abreu Gallery
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- 36 Orchard Street
- Lower East Side