ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ward Shelley's 'Who Invented the Avant-Garde and Other Half-Truths' and 'The Sleeper Experiment' at Pierogi Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-22

In 2009, Ward Shelley showcased two significant works at Pierogi Gallery: 'Who Invented the Avant-Garde and Other Half-Truths,' a timeline diagram that traces the history of art, and 'The Sleeper Experiment,' where he resided in the gallery to document his everyday experiences. These pieces highlighted Shelley's unique combination of conceptual depth and visual intricacy, delving into themes of systems, time, and human behavior. The exhibition sparked discussions regarding art historical representation and the nature of performative documentation, focusing on authenticity and narrative creation. Renowned for its experimental contemporary art, Pierogi Gallery served as an ideal venue for Shelley's interdisciplinary work, making the 2009 exhibition a pivotal moment in both his career and the gallery's offerings.

Key facts

  • Ward Shelley created 'Who Invented the Avant-Garde and Other Half-Truths'
  • The work is a timeline diagram of art history
  • Shelley also presented 'The Sleeper Experiment'
  • This involved the artist living in the gallery space
  • Both works were shown at Pierogi Gallery
  • The exhibition took place in 2009
  • The gallery is located in Brooklyn
  • Shelley's work combines drawing and performance

Entities

Artists

  • Ward Shelley

Institutions

  • Pierogi Gallery

Locations

  • Brooklyn
  • United States

Sources