"We believe the function of the artists is to subvert culture, since our culture is trivial" by the founding artits of Judson Gallery Publication (NY, 1967)

Disappointed by the lack of resonance to demonstrations of the open alliance Art Workers Coalition (AWC), in 1969 Jon Hendricks and Jean Toche founded their own initiative within the New York art scene: the Guerrilla Art Action Group (GAAG). The artists’ critique focused on the U.S. military intervention in Vietnam, domestic policies that suppressed minorities, and the art establishment, which was controlled by political and economic interests. GAAG’s goal was to force institutions, politicians, and celebrities to take a moral stand on U.S. politics, through provocative actions, interventions, letters, posters, and theater projects.

During my residency at Art Speaks for Itself, in Paris, I wanted to continue a conversation with Jon Hendricks, that we started in Venice, 2 years ago. Jon Hendricks is an artist and Curator of Fluxus Collection at the Museum of Modern Art of New York. From 1966 to 1968, he was the director of the Judson Gallery at Judson Memorial Church in New York City.

Art Speaks for Itself is a foundation without a legal status. In fact it is a project led by French artist Arnaud Cohen that consider it like an artwork bridging different fields. “Paris was a haven for the arts until 1940. Now Paris can function as a hub” Arnaud Cohen said “You pass through and interconnect. It can contribute to the emergence of creative forms that differ from what is dictated by large firms trying to control human desires. It is with this objective in mind that the first artist-run residential hub for international curators is launched in Paris”

Curators  from different countries are regularly welcome in residence at ASFI with the intent of opening a free discussion and to stimulate a critical thinking on issues that matter today and that can not found any support by private foundations and art market. During the dinner at the end of my residency, I discussed with my guests about art and activism also trying to explore the role of art activism today, especially in difficult social and political contexts, where activists are regularly tortured and killed.