In a spirit counter to postmodern pluralism, this multi-artist and themed exhibition presents works that situate humans within the larger biophysical reality of the cosmos — or the Real. By taking a position of absolutes, namely cosmological embeddedness and the influence of nature on human life and society, this exhibit goes against the relativist grain.

The stimulus for this exploration of the Real came about as a response to a world in which the absurd reigns. Specifically, the way in which the Christian right, appropriating postmodern sensibilities, has thrust Intelligent Design into the public eye by challenging Darwinian evolution as simply “another theory.” Currently, Christian fundamentalists are in court demanding that Intelligent Design be taught alongside science in schools across the United States as well as parts of Europe.

Using the absurd to challenge the absurd, The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster came about as a humorous but effective critique of Intelligent Design – if schools can teach Intelligent Design then they must also teach about the creative powers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The Church of the FSM’s message – all theories on the origins and development of life are not equal. Our message – In art, ‘aboutness’ exists in a hierarchy not a vacuum.