Wexner Center curator Carlos Basualdo will be holding an hour-long conversation Friday at 1 p.m. to discuss the exhibition “Quasi-cinemas,” a collection of installations by Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica.
Basualdo worked in New York as an independent curator for more than seven years before joining the Wexner Center last year. He spent three years assembling the components of “Quasi-cinemas,” which debuted September 18.
“Columbus is the first stop of the show before it goes on to museums in London, Cologne and New York,” Basualdo said.
Wexner spokesperson Karen Simonian said Oiticica was a pioneer of the avant-garde movement of Brazil in the1960s and ’70s, and wanted to change common perceptions about art.
“He was interested in breaking down boundaries; the boundaries between art and life and boundaries between art and the audience,” Simonian said.
“Quasi-cinemas” promotes interaction between Oiticica’s art and it’s viewers. Patrons can watch movies and slide shows while lying on mats or relaxing in hammocks, while a wide variety of music plays in the background. The exhibitis are very “hands-on”, encouraging viewers to blow up a balloon or click on an image at computer installations.
Spread throughout the Oiticica exhibition are chairs by Viennese artist Franz West, who creates pieces that are aesthetic as well as functional. His tables and chairs can also be seen in the Wexner Center Café as part of Basualdo’s series entitled “Notations”, which exhibits art in nontraditional places.
Basualdo said West’s tables and chairs encourage students to see that art is not distant, and can be very interactive.
“You can see them as an art installation, you can see them as sculptures, or you can really use them. That was one of the goals of the whole series,” he said.
Although Oiticica and West had never been affiliated, Basualdo saw a connection between their work.
“They are both interested in participation and having the viewer become an active participant in their work,” Basualdo said. “Because of that affinity, I thought it would be a good idea to have Franz West’s furniture in the Oiticica show.”
The exhibit features movies, slideshows and music that reflects Oiticica’s heritage with an American influence. Some slideshows are set to Latino music, while others feature images of Marilyn Monroe and the music of Jimi Hendrix. Basualdo said he chose to showcase Oiticica partly because of references to American icons.
“His pieces are especially relevant because they deal with American popular culture. They really have to do with his experiences while living in New York,” Basualdo said.
Basualdo wants to improve student attendance at the Wexner, and hopes that this exhibit along with his discussion will increase accessibility and understanding of art for students.
“The relationship between the body of students at Ohio State and the Wexner is not as close as I would like it to be,” Basualdo said. “Hopefully this exhibit will be interesting for students. It’s about experiences, having fun and using the work. So come, use the stuff, enjoy.”
Basualdo’s discussion is free with gallery admission. Participants will meet at the coat check desk at 1 p.m.
“Quasi-cinemas” will be on display until Dec. 30, 2001.
