As we transition to our new Director Furusho von Puttkammer, we have asked our alums if they have any advice, memories, or thoughts they would like to share with AiOP. Katya Grokhovsky, who is both an artist alumni and Curator of AiOP2018: BODY, and friend of both AiOP Founder Ed Woodham and our new Executive Director Furusho von Puttkammer, wanted to share this:
- What’s a strong Art in Odd Places memory that you recall?
I have many fond memories of Art in Odd Places as an artist alum between 2014-2016 and as a curator in 2018, but I can pinpoint two that stand out in my mind the most. My first work in AiOP 2014, was Slow Dance, a participatory performance, which seems unimaginable now, in our pandemic world. I and several performers invited passersby from different parts of 14th street to slow dance with us to the sound of the city. It was the first time I performed a work like that on the street and will never forget the experience. Another memory is the opening of the group exhibition I curated as part of AiOP BODY in 2018, at Westbeth Gallery. It felt like a huge feminist celebration, I remember giving an impassioned speech and being enveloped and supported by a crowd of familiar faces. Curating AiOP was a highlight of my personal and professional journey at that time and became a springboard for my future projects.
- What would you like to say to Ed as he leaves?
Ed has become a dear friend, a mentor, and will always be an inspiration to me. I admire his passion and tenacity to establish and keep an artist-run, interdisciplinary ephemeral media project running, regardless of many challenges. I would like to thank him for supporting many of my ideas, experiments and vision as an artist and curator. I credit Art in Odd Places with giving me fortitude and experience to establish my own platform, The Immigrant Artist Biennial in 2019.
- What should Furusho know about Art in Odd Places?
I believe Furusho has already experienced many unique aspects of Art in Odd Places and understands its premise, place and legacy. I would add that the project has an incredible army of alums all over the city, the U.S and the world at large, whom I’d love to see participate in the project once again in some aspect.
- Any advice for Furusho?
I would just say to bravely march forth into the uncertain challenging future, with a bold, uncompromising vision!
Photo credit:
- Pei-Ling Ho, Absence of Three, AiOP Body, 2018, photo Katya Grokhovsky
- Questions Collective, Foundation, AiOP Body 2018, photo Walter Wlodarczyk
