Streams of Consciousness: The Histories, Mythologies, and Ecologies of Water

November 10, 2011 — March 11, 2012

Streams of Consciousness: The Histories, Mythologies, and Ecologies of Water

Recalling the Latin phrase Sine Qua Non (Without Which Nothing), a critical investigation of water and its relationship to humankind is a meandering journey of beginnings, transformations, and timely necessities. A vital natural resource, water is a universal force that impacts all peoples, places, and periods of time.

Many artists today chart the complex and pervasive importance of water through a broad range of perspectives, conceptual narratives, and aesthetic gestures. Their work, in almost countless manifestations—large-scale paintings, multi-channel video installations, performance, photography, drawing, sculpture—braves ambiguous tides and unknown depths in order to tap water’s myriad meanings and associations. Whether responding to spiritual rituals involving water, expeditions of seafaring explorers, or the privatization of freshwater, these artists examine the ways in which water informs contemporary culture.

SAC’s current exhibition approaches the timely subject of water through the work of 18 national and international artists and artist groups. The ideas and methods presented are diverse and expansive, but, for this exhibition, specifically hone in on water’s histories, mythologies, and ecologies. Salina’s iconic Campbell’s Ferry of the nineteenth century, the defunct Sutro Baths of San Francisco, a touring freshwater drinking station, the romances and broken hearts of Niagara Falls, and apocalyptic narratives set on stormy seas are among the many subjects adrift in Streams. Bridging then and now, local and global, metaphoric and scientific, the installation aims to elevate public awareness of the essential role water plays in the world today, in order to forecast a hydrated tomorrow.

Exhibiting Artists

Scott Anderson Amy Balkin Priti Cox Ian Davis Tony Feher
Amy Franceschini Katie Holten Sigalit Landau Marie Lorenz
Mary Mattingly Michael Jones McKean Json Myers Robyn O’Neil
Julia Oschatz Alicia Pozniak Leslie Shows Alec Soth spurse

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