Karen Kimmel, Sara Meltzer's On View..., NYC - step up *37

Karen Kimmel: step up *37
Sara Meltzer's On View..., New York
March 7 - April 4, 1998

Karen Kimmel presents her latest sculptural installation, step up *37, at Sara Meltzer's on view... This new work will be activated by a performance at the gallery on Saturday, March 7th, 6-8pm. An additional performance will take place on Thursday, March 26th, 6-8pm.

step up *37 derives out of Karen Kimmel's continuing fascination with social events. Motivated by observations of her earlier works: SAVOR, GUIDE, PRESS, QUENCH and COZY, the artist will again explore her concern with social structures. Karen Kimmel's controlled environments have depended on the incorporation of the audience into a realm of her own creation.

Departing from the prior necessity of audience involvement and direct role-play, step up *37 explores the ongoing exchange of the non-material and the influence of the most subtle changes in condition. This time, Karen Kimmel has chosen to involve her audience in a different way. In previous works, audience members were strictly attended to by a performer. In step up *37, Karen Kimmel has deliberately placed the audience in the role of viewer left free to explore the world of her forms.

step up *37 uses light as its departure point. Floating sculptural elements will be activated by light. As light hits the dangling sculptural objects, shadows will be cast upon the gallery walls. These shadows will constantly change as a result of the 3 participating performers' actions. Simultaneously, the performers will draw the shadows and in turn respond to the changing shadows created by one another.

Continuing to elaborate on the mechanics of action and reaction, Karen Kimmel has chosen to explore a new realm. While still imposing a systematic structure on her performers, in step up *37 she allows for responses related to chance.

SARA MELTZER'S ON VIEW...
588 Broadway, Room 612, New York, NY 10012
www.sarameltzer.com