“Nature does not proceed in a straight line, it is rather a sprawling development.” – Robert Smithson

ABC No Rio is pleased to announce the opening on Thursday, May 8th of (No) Vacancy, a multi-media exhibition curated by Sarah Thibault.

The exhibition explores ideas about nature and its capacity to provide for the mass-consumption and our cultural demands for speed. Through content or process, the artists will address social, political and aesthetic issues around mass-production and/or the resurgence of the craft movement in consumerism.

“(No) Vacancy,” a neon beacon on motel signs across the country, refers not just to the emptiness of space, but also to the metaphorical vacancy of mass-produced objects, images and environments prevalent in mainstream America. The drive for efficiency and cheapness of production affects the product as well as the environment in which it is made. Genetically altered plants are cheaper for the consumer and a more efficient use of nature, but at what cost? How far down the chain can we see? Have humans become totally removed from nature and can accept nothing but a hybridized, ‘improved’ nature? Can the hand-made movement repair some of the connection that has been lost?

(No) Vacancy includes work by the following: Stephen Crone, video/installation, New York Michael Depasquale, photography, New York Angela Fox, painting, San Antonio, TX Joe Sinness, painting, Minneapolis, MN Sarah Thibault, painting/installation, New York Brian Wondergem, sculpture/installation, New York