Dis/Functional, an exhibition of installation art, casts the artist, rather than the scientist, in the role of expert authority and aesthetic interpreter. Just as anthropologists, archaeologists, sociologists and historians grapple with persistent issues of religion, social and sexual relationships, education, politics and technology, the artists in this exhibition attempt to create a dialogue with the viewer about these subjects. Unlike scientists, however, their work leaves these issues open to individual interpretation, rather than striving to establish any "absolute truth". Though scientific pronouncements may once have been accepted as black and white, and essentially unassailable, current post-modern skepticism now informs our approach to these areas. This exhibition underscores the prevailing skepticism of our time.

What ultimately unites the artists of Dis/Functional is the medium of installation. The seven artists selected alter space to focus their audience visually upon questions of function and purpose. They incite the viewer to creative thought, sparking debate on problematic matters, rather than promoting complacent acceptance of pat answers and generally accepted truisms.

(excerpt from Curator's Essay)

Visit the Dis/Functional Virtual Gallery and take a walk through the exhibition.

The seven artists featured in the exhibition include:

Dan Collins - (Re) inventing the Wheel



Vernon Fisher - Basutoland



Jenny Holzer - Truisms



Barbara Penn - A Science - So the Savants Say



Joyan Saunders - Athlete Heart



Herb Stratford - Cross Boxes



Francesc Torres - Table for Hegelian Heroes at a Business Lunch;

A reception for the artists took place Saturday, September 20, 1997 from 7 -9pm.
The event was a dual reception with the exhibition Token City.

Click here to view images of the reception.