Salz-Pollak Atrium Gallery

Extra-ordinary

I co-curated and designed Extra-ordinary, an exhibition highlighting the practices of visual artists and designers producing functional art.

That is to say, art that serves a purpose beyond the aesthetic. Examples of functional art include ceramics, tapestries, jewelry, and furniture. Highlighting the practices of these artists is significant because it promotes a larger discussion related to ethical consumerism and minimalist living. Additionally, by presenting the included works in the “white-cube” tradition, this exhibit contextualizes them as high art and craft — historically incompatible classifications in the art canon.

We live in a culture that favors consumerism, convenience, and mass-production over craftsmanship and individuality—yet, people pride themselves on their autonomy. By choosing to purchase more deliberately, thus reducing the unnecessary and valuing what remains, we can cultivate more intentionality behind our buying patterns. Through the purposeful acquisition of handcrafted objects, particularly those that hold both functional and aesthetic value, one can reduce their visual noise, reflect their individuality, and cultivate an environment that evokes moments of reverence. The choice to purchase an object directly from its maker allows you to connect more deeply with the item and has a direct positive impact on the sustainability of the maker’s artistic practice. Beneficially, handcrafted objects tend to be of better quality than mass-produced items and generate less waste, are more sustainable, and last longer.

Informed by minimalist theory and foregoing traditional delineations of fine art vs. craft, Extra-Ordinary encourages viewers to pause and consider the personal, local, and global effects of their own purchasing patterns.

Co-curated and designed with Laura Black.