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"Space of Abjection"

February 18th - February 29th, 2008
Reception: Friday, Feruary 22nd, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

The title of this art show, Space of Abjection, stems from Julia Kristeva’s gender theory. In her theory, the word abjection refers to people cast out of society. People such as prostitutes, homosexuals, the destitute, people of color, convicts, and the differently abled are socialized as being inconsequential, therefore castigated by mainstream society. Like these marginalized groups, many non-traditionally recognized pieces of art are literally discarded.

Students Kris-Derek Hechevarria and Matthew Schlagbaum were inspired by this theory, which began their collection of what they consider abjected art. Searching through thrift stores they found multitudes of artwork that were abandoned by their owners. Instead of prostitutes, homosexuals, and convicts cast from society, needlepoints, paintings, and latch hooks are deserted because of their viewed insignificance in the art world.

Many will consider this a showcase of “outsider art”. The collectors of this show view the term “outsider art” as a demeaning title coined by privileged individuals. Just because many of these works were created by unrecognized artists, they still deserve to be sanctioned and considered works of art in a gallery setting.