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New Museum's 'Free' Exhibition Explores Internet's Impact on Artistic Practice and Public Space

exhibition · 2026-04-22

Between October 20, 2010, and January 23, 2011, the New Museum showcased 'Free,' an exhibition curated by Lauren Cornell that featured 22 artists exploring the influence of digital culture on art and conversation. Utilizing Seth Price's essay 'Dispersion' as a conceptual base, the show delved into themes of appropriation, anonymity, and the accessibility of information. Featured works included Amanda Ross-Ho's 'You and Me Findings (Rotated 90° CW),' Kristin Lucas's 'Refresh,' and Joel Holmberg's 'Legendary Account.' Additional highlights comprised Lizzie Fitch's 'Pangea,' Trevor Paglen's military imagery, and Alexandre Singh's 'The School for Objects Criticized.' The exhibition critically examined the 'free culture' movement and the implications of digital reproduction on originality.

Key facts

  • Exhibition ran from October 20, 2010 to January 23, 2011
  • Featured 22 artists exploring internet culture's impact on art
  • Curated by Lauren Cornell of Rhizome and New Museum
  • Seth Price's essay 'Dispersion' served as conceptual framework
  • Included works by Amanda Ross-Ho, Kristin Lucas, Joel Holmberg
  • Address was 235 Bowery between Rivington and Stanton streets, New York City
  • Rhizome provided free online exhibition catalog
  • Explored themes of appropriation, anonymity, and information accessibility

Entities

Artists

  • Seth Price
  • Amanda Ross-Ho
  • Kristin Lucas
  • Joel Holmberg
  • Lizzie Fitch
  • Ryan Trecartin
  • David Karp
  • Trevor Paglen
  • Alexandre Singh
  • Martijn Hendrik
  • Joel McKay
  • Donald Rumsfeld
  • Saddam Hussein

Institutions

  • New Museum
  • Rhizome
  • Yahoo! Answers
  • eBay

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • 235 Bowery
  • Rivington Street
  • Stanton Street
  • Iraq

Sources