Curated by Lori Ledis Emerging Curatorial Fellow Erin Sickler

Artists: Melissa Dubbin & Aaron S. Davidson, Jennifer Grimyser, Mary Mattingly, Ginger Brooks Takahashi, Tim Thyzel, and Hong-An Truong.

Oftentimes we construct defenses to shield ourselves from inconvenient truths or, alternately, grow fast and slippery, conjuring elaborate schemes to try and evade them. When the truth we must face is about our own blunders and ill deeds, our defenses can become particularly stalwart. Although apologies are known to reduce medical malpractice lawsuits, physicians often remain silent when confronted by possible error. Political apologies are even more difficult to come by. On the world stage, the public mea culpa is seen as a sign of political weakness, or worse, a cause for international censure. Frequently, when a harsh truth emerges, there is no one to forgive or be forgiven; only a silent acknowledgment that something once hidden has become impossible to ignore. Whether we choose to acknowledge them or not, undesirable realities are a part of life, requiring our constant acceptance and inevitable concessions.

Using a wide range of mediums from video and photography to performance, embroidered text and mixed-media sculpture, the artists in Apologies and Further Concessions each confront an unavoidable truth. The experience of hitting a wall is a universal one. The artists here remind us that no matter what our intentions, failures and setbacks are bound to occur.

Erin Sickler is the spring 2010 recipient of the Lori Ledis Emerging Curatorial Fellowship, a program to foster curatorial talent in contemporary art.

On Wednesday April 28 at 7pm join Apologies curator Erin Sickler for an Idea Party, a group brainstorming session where people gather to share contacts and resources. Have a project you want to do, but don’t know where to start? Want to travel around the world, start a business, or put on an exhibition? The Idea Party will allow attendees to find opportunities and resources where you thought none existed to help uncover inspired and creative ways to think about dreams, goals and obstacles.

At the Idea Party ten people present their projects or goals in the following fashion: “This is what I want to do:_; here is my problem:_.” Each presenter gets 10 minutes to present his or her idea and get feedback. To present your project or goal, email [email protected] Presentation slots will be allotted on a first-come first-served basis. Guests are welcome to observe.