An exhibition of diverse works exploring the confluence of art, access to resources, human rights, political ecology and environmental justice

First event to launch public use of 41 Cooper Gallery, an innovative space in Cooper Union’s new academic facility, built to platinum LEED standards, at 41 Cooper Square.

The show marks the opening of 41 Cooper Gallery, an innovative gallery space housed in the college’s new academic, sustainable building at 41 Cooper Square. The group exhibition will examine the spirit of a historic quote by Cooper Union’s founder Peter Cooper: “Education should be Free as Air and Water.” Recognizing the difference between then (1859) and now (2009), the privatization of air, water and land has significantly impacted the environment and has created many challenges. Free as Air and Water will pose questions about our contemporary moment, linking a broad set of issues such as political ecology and the role of art in relation to the environment.

Artists participating in Free as Air and Water include: Allora & Calzadilla, Amy Balkin, Robert Bordo, Bruce High Quality, Ross Cisneros, Amy Franceschini and Free Soil, Andrea Geyer, Hans Haacke, Paul Ramirez Jonas, Runo Lagomarsino, Marjetica Potrc, Simon Starling, Temporary Services, Oscar Tuazon, and Lidwien Van de Ven, to name a few. In connection with the exhibition, Cooper Union’s Great Hall will house two panel discussions: Free as Air and Water Symposium I: Artistic responses to Self-Sustainability and Climate Change (9/16, 5-7pm) and Free as Air and Water Symposium II: Art in relation to Human Rights and the Freedom of Expression (10/12, 7-9pm).

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 – 6pm

SYMPOSIA DETAILS

WHEN: Free as Air and Water Symposium I: Artistic responses to Self-Sustainability and Climate Change, Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 5-7pm The Cooper Union, Great Hall, 7 East 7th Street, 2nd Floor (b/w 3rd and4th Aves)

Free as Air and Water Symposium II: Art in relation to Human Rights and the Freedom of Expression, Monday, October 12, 2009, 7 to 9 pm The Cooper Union, The Frederick P. Rose Auditorium, 41 Cooper Square