Blog – Art in Odd Places

AiOP 2017: SENSE- Get to Know This Year’s Artists! Charley Friedman

September 14, 2017 – 12:00 pm

Name: Charley Friedman

Title of project and short description

The Salesman: We are living in a time where the Ids of the world are gaining power. The piece will revolve around this overtly political theme in a non-political fashion. The character is called The Adenoid’s Adenoid. He is a guttural, in-your-face salesman. Dressed in an entire green felt body suit, the creature’s head will be a puppet on my left arm. He will be selling useless items that seem relevant for our time. The piece will be improvisational, dark and humorous. Engagement with the public on a direct face-to-face level is vital.

How have you chosen to interpret the theme “SENSE?”

My performance is all about sensing the pulse of participants, and for sure we live in time full of anxiety and frustration.

The Adenoid’s Adenoid.

Why do you believe 14th Street is a compelling site for creative response?

Fourteenth Street bisects Manhattan and encompasses a wide swath of public from people who live in the area to commuters.

What reactions are you hoping to draw from the public?

I want passersby to talk and interact with me.

AiOP 2017: SENSE- Get to Know This Year’s Artists! Billy X. Curmano

September 13, 2017 – 12:00 pm

Name: Billy X. Curmano

Title: Expeditionary Art Adventure

Description:

Billy X. Curmano’s performance brings a vial of sacred water from his 2,367.4-mile Mississippi River Swim on an intentional pilgrimage to mix with New York waters gathered from the Hudson, East Rivers and along 14^th Street. His “Expeditionary Art Adventure Team” will perform as “Ambassadors for Clean Water” with rituals along the way. Watch for the spectacles and Curmano’s signature white lab coat.

Expeditionary Art Adventure Logo

The “Expeditionary Art Adventure Team” launches October 12 about high noon near the Hudson River off 14th Street primarily traveling east on 14th Street on even dates and west on odd dates – between 1 and 4 pm – through October 15th. Weather permitting; the “Father of Waters” will join the New York waters via a keynote ritual and ocean harp serenade near the Highline and 14th Street on Sat. 4 pm (Rain date: Sun.)

How have you chosen to interpret the theme “SENSE?”

Water is Life; Mni Wiconi … that makes SENSE.

Billy X Curmano In performance Valletta International Visual Arts Festival, Malta, 2017
Photo: Ms Elisa von Brockdorff

Why do you believe 14th street is a compelling site for creative response?

14th Street is a natural for artistic expression as it cuts from river to river connecting East and West while capping New York City’s historic downtown art scene.

What reaction are you hoping to draw from the public?

The public may view my work with curiosity. Some will simply see it as a reminder. Others may find it eye opening. Then again some may not care. Surrounded by and in the abundance of water, it is easy to take it for granted. But water is a finite resource to be honored and protected. There is no life without it. Water is Life; Mni Wiconi.