The exhibition will be preluded by an international conference at the Yale University from 17-19 April. Its speakers and guests will discuss how politically and socially engaged art has changed after the fall of communism in Russia, and about influences and relationships between art activists and Russia. During the Closing Reception on 19th April, the participating Polish, Russian and Ukrainian artists will present a special one-night-only series of poetry readings and performances that are free and open to the public.
Over the course of the exhibition, Artspace will function as an alternative parlour for gathering, singing, conversing, sharing meals, screening films, performing and hosting events that help introduce and unpack the complex ideas of the exhibition and associated conference.
The exhibition will include works of Polish artists: Zuzanna Janin, Artur Żmijewski & Yael Bartana and Zbigniew Libera. They will present their photographs, typescripts, videos and paintings which illustrate and comment on contemporary political issues. Other works in the exhibition use music, video, text, theatre and documented street actions to subvert and distribute political messages.
Vertical Reach exhibition is a result of co-operation between Campus Project, organised by Culture.pl, Yale University and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Arts.