Works by The Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde
On view May 5 - June 24, 2023
Be Home in 10 is a group exhibition that explores the theme of time and its impact on the lives and creative output of young artists. Time is a force that shapes our experiences, influencing the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Time is a finite resource. We only have a limited amount of it in our lives, and we must make choices about how we spend it. This can be a source of both opportunity and anxiety, as we strive to balance our personal goals and desires with the demands and expectations of the world around us. This exhibition brings together works by emerging artists from all walks of life who have been influenced by the effects of time during their short walk in this world. The exhibition takes its name from the sense of urgency and anticipation that accompanies the idea of being home in a short amount of time. This theme is reflected in the works on display and through a diverse range of mediums and styles, Be Home in 10 invites viewers to contemplate the various ways in which time shapes our understanding of home and space. With time being such a deeply subjective experience, it can be both elastic and rigid, depending on our state of mind and the circumstances of our lives. From meditations on the transience of youth, reflections on its impact to shaping the emotional, social and cultural landscapes of our lives, to explorations of the cyclical nature of history, each work offers a unique perspective on time and its significance in our lives. Through this exhibition, we invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with time and home, to consider how it shapes their daily experiences and long-term aspirations, as well as to engage with the perspectives of a new generation of artists who are grappling with these questions in their own ways. The new diverse insights presented in Be Home in 10 provide a rich and nuanced exploration of such a complex relationship. Ultimately, Be Home in 10 serves as a testament to the power of art to illuminate the human experience and to provoke deep reflection on one of the more illusive forces of nature which can lead us to greater insights and empathy, helping us to live more fully and compassionately in our present moment.
About the collective
The Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde is a dynamic and diverse collective of artists established with the aim of supporting one another, experimenting, growing, and having fun. The collective was founded on the belief that the traditional avant-garde model, which tends to be elitist and exclusive, is not inclusive enough to truly represent the diverse range of voices and perspectives in the contemporary art world. What started as spontaneous after-class meetings amongst a few CVAD students from UNT in 2021, the Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde has since grown into an ever expanding network of more than 60+ members. The collective is made up of artists from different backgrounds and disciplines, including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, performance artists, and more. What brings them together is a shared commitment to exploring new and innovative ways of creating art, without being bound by the strictures of tradition or convention. At the heart of the collective's ethos is the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. They seek to create a space where creatives from all walks of life can come together to share their experiences, learn from one another, and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible. The Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts. They recognize that historically, many art movements have been dominated by white, male voices, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Despite their serious commitment to their craft and their principles, The Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde is also a group that likes to have fun. They believe that creativity is at its best when it is joyful and playful, and strive to create an atmosphere of positivity and camaraderie within the collective. Whether they are mounting exhibitions, hosting workshops, or simply hanging out and sharing ideas, The Anti-Avant Garde Avant Garde is a vibrant and supportive community of artists who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art in exciting and innovative ways.