#saveartspace

Art at a Time Like This Inc., in collaboration with SaveArtSpace,

In George Orwell’s 1984, the Ministry of Truth is a Panopticon propaganda machine, engaging in cultural gaslighting and misinformation that undermines the very nature of truth itself. Nowadays, we just call that the internet. 

In October, Art at a Time Like This Inc., in collaboration with SaveArtSpace, borrows the moniker “Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020” to present 20 artists on 20 billboards around New York City, providing “a platform for artists to comment on the current state of US politics and increasing polarization just in time for the election,” according to a press release.

The project is sponsored by V. Hansmann, Jane Lombard Gallery, PPOW Gallery, Galerie St. Etienne, Guerrilla Girls, Broad Band, and Publicide Inc, with Hyperallergic as media sponsor.

Mel Chin’s billboard imagery for “Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020”

Marilyn Minter for “Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020”

Dread Scott for “Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020”

Artist: Toni Smalls

Title: Intermingled Realities

Medium: Luster Inkjet Print

Dimensions: 12in x 18in

Edition Size: First edition limited (10) prints numbered and signed by artist

Year: 2020

So thrilled to be a part of the SaveArtSpace x Tumblr collaboration this year in Austin during SXSW.

This set of photos is from a newly developing project she calls TO THE FUTURE. 

What does our future look like? This is often somewhat of a scary question in today's world. People in power are scary, violence is widespread, the earth is deteriorating, and citizens are denied of their rights all day, everywhere. This sounds a bit like a horror film, and I'm not denying that it feels and may be a reality of ours in the near future. But recently I have also noticed a lot of strength, resilience & solidarity from various communities. Maybe the future could be painted in a different way for us to ingest and imagine. People who are marginalized, who choose to express themselves in ways not defined in the barriers of socio norms, and those who can't fight against or prove to the masses their true self based on the way they look may feel pessimistic or at a loss for something to protect themselves. These are the people I want to help represent in the future. To show them in a light where they have flourished, risen & beat the hands that have pushed down their worth during the totality of their lives. What does this look like? It looks happy, it looks unique, it looks expressive, it looks cool, it looks free. 

I want to work with those to help capture a portrait of them as this future self. Give them a space where they can feel safe, themselves, experimental & comfortable in; their normal, natural self. 

This Summer, NYC’s Billboards Will Show Feminist Art Instead Of Ads

Beginning June 26, however, some of the billboards around NYC will swap out their traditional promotional materials for some freshly squeezed feminist art. The summer initiative, entitled “The Future is Female,” was organized by nonprofit organization SaveArtSpace, which frequently transforms advertising spaces into impromptu sites of public art.

As an arts organization, we feel that it is our duty to align and ally with the broader artistic community to create exhibitions that address intersectional concerns which can spread a message of progressive and positive social change and empowerment. (SaveArtSpace website)