June 22 – August 11, 2013
Media/Retail Space
Dancing With Che: Enter Through the Gift Shop, in MOCCA’s Media/Retail Space, is an intervention-installation of Che Guevara souvenirs. Intrigued by the idea of a souvenir as an object, artist Barbara Astman considers what it means for a cultural icon to appear on a multitude of mass-produced consumer items. Starting with a self-portrait in which she wears a souvenir Che Geuvera t-shirt purchased during a trip to Cuba, the artist created multiples of mugs, postcards, and playing cards; these objects are typically created for mass consumption, acting as cultural substitutes for a memory or experience. But while the artist entices visitors with her retail display, she does not allow them to satiate their consumer desire – none of the objects are for sale.
Barbara Astman Curated by David Liss
Installation Shots
Opening Reception
Friday June 21, 8 – 10 pm
Programming
Curator and Artist Talks Saturday June 22, 3 pm Join artists Barbara Astman, David Armstrong Six, and Jonathan Shaughnessy, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Canada, for a tour of the exhibitions.
