TO THE STARS ON THE WINGS OF AN EEL

Throughout its history the Gowanus has inspired both utopian dreams and dystopian nightmares. The past four-hundred years have witnessed the site’s transformation from a fertile series of tidal wetlands to one of the busiest industrial waterways in the United States. The canal, once a source for sustenance and hope, is today tainted by a notorious legacy of pollution and decay. Yet recent activity in the area suggests rejuvenation is at hand.

TO THE STARS ON THE WINGS OF AN EEL offers a chance to explore the urban unconscious of the Gowanus, to reimagine the past, decipher the present, and envision possible futures. Artists working in the neighborhood––some long-time fixtures, others recent arrivals––are breathing new life into a once stagnant and decaying quarter.

Join us as we transform the Gowanus Ballroom, itself a former steel mill dating to the nineteenth century, re-mapping psychogeographies and investigating mysteries of the canal and surrounding areas. By exploring real and imagined tales of the past, we pursue today’s dreams and become the myth-makers of tomorrow.

Featuring: Kiki Smith Tom Otterness Swoon Duke Riley Miru Kim Dustin Yellin Ray Smith Rachel Levitsky Eric Fertman Jeanne Liotta Ron Gorchov Leonidas Chalepas Gerri Davis Jonah Emerson-Bell & Rainger Pinney Serban Ionescu Vahakn Arslanian Integrated Visions Productions Brooke Grant The Office of Recuperative Strategies Josh Young Danielle Willems & Ezio Blasetti Curtis Hamilton Ethan Spigland Jeff Wasson Francisca Benitez Colin Kilian Simonetta Moro Lou Wright Carlos Little Kim Reinhardt Anthony Titus Andrew Beccone The Reanimation Library Sayler / Morris with Evan Paschke Narek Gevorgian Matthew William Robinson George Sferra Serra Victoria Bothwell Fels The Objectionists and many more

Performances by: Matthew Silver: the Great Performer Moon Hooch Hungry March Band Amour Obscur Apocalypse Five and Dime Consumata Mike Haar Will McEvoy Viva Le Vox The Pendulum Swings Mikey IQ Jones Clydesdale Erotic The Big Ship and many more

Exhibition Schedule: Friday, June 29th – Opening 7pm–1am, $10 after 9pm

Saturday, June 30th 3pm–1am, $10 after 9pm

Sunday, July 1st – Celebration of Independence BBQ, cocktails and outdoor entertainment Noon–6pm

Friday, July 6th 7pm–1am, $10 after 9pm

Saturday, July 7th 3pm–1am, $10 after 9pm

Performance schedule to be announced.

To the Stars on the Wings of an Eel is curated by Serban Ionescu, Ethan Spigland, George Sferra, and Josh Young, and is made possible in part by Gowanus Ballroom, Serett Metal Works, The Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons The New School for Design, The Canary Project, Proteus Gowanus, The Reanimation Library, Magnan Metz Gallery, Dustin Yellin Studio, and Ray Smith Studio.