NEW YORK, NY – Spattered Columns, an exhibition space operated by the non-profit organization Art Connects New York (ACNY), is pleased to announce the opening of “Trash Talk” on April 11, 2012. Curated by Lisa Dahl, this group exhibition features the work of artists who elevate mundane garbage to fine art.

Although there is a long precedent of artists using found objects to create, garbage and art are still usually placed at opposite ends of the spectrum. The former is deemed disposable and worthless, the latter lauded as unique and precious. The Trash Talk artists utilize the very history of their chosen medium to tap into the associations we bring to such products and packaging. The resulting art is not merely about the hot topic of recycling, but rather provides a new level of consideration. Using items as diverse as steel drums, plastic containers, cardboard, old shoes, and even food, a wondrous alchemy is achieved as familiar substances transform into something unexpected. The work is often beautiful and elegant; humorous and thoughtful; but all of it is trash.

Participating artists include Scott Andresen, Lisa Dahl, Ghost of a Dream, Ruth Hardinger, Gregg Hill, Sara Hubbs, Vandana Jain, Nathaniel Lieb, Shari Mendelson, Jimmy Miracle, Tattfoo Tan, and Ian Trask.

For more information on “Trash Talk” at Spattered Columns, please visit www.artconnectsnewyork.org or contact Ginger Shulick Porcella at [email protected]

This program is supported, in part, by public Funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council. Additional funding is made possible in part with public funds from the Fund for Creative Communities, supported by New York State Council on the Arts and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.