Bronx, NY – Are you ready to follow the money?
Lehman College and Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) will present “Mediums of Exchange,” a two-part art exhibition that opens first at BMCC on Jan. 31 and then at Lehman on Feb. 9. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public at both locations, marks the first collaboration between two of the largest gallery spaces in the City University of New York (CUNY) network.
“The show is the first of its kind at CUNY,” said Bartholomew F. Bland, director of the Lehman College Art Gallery. “In essence, ‘Mediums of Exchange’ is a single show spread between two gallery spaces, one ‘uptown’ at Lehman and the other ‘downtown’ at BMCC, with different groupings of artists featured at each space. We hope our patrons will follow the show from one location to the next to get the whole experience.”
“Mediums of Exchange” presents more than 30 contemporary artists who appropriate and contextualize money, using currency as a material in their work or taking a conceptual approach to the global economic system.
Exploring the ever-changing forms and uses of currency, the artists in “Mediums of Exchange” engage in sociological, psychological, and economic approaches that raise new questions about the role of money around the world. Andy Warhol, who frequently spoke about his fascination with the dollar, is the chief historical reference point for the artists in this exhibition.
Lisa Panzera, director of the Shirley Fiterman Art Center, said, “We are very excited to be working in collaboration with Lehman College Art Gallery and with these incredible contemporary artists, who are investigating varying aspects of currency, how it circulates, and what it represents in our current global society.”
Both galleries will host receptions to kick off the exhibit, also free and open to the public, on Feb. 6 at BMCC and on Feb. 13 at Lehman. During the Lehman reception, the Lehman Stages Bronx Music Project, a student and alumni musical group, will present money-themed selections such as “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” and “I Need a Dollar.”
“Mediums of Exchange” is co-curated by Bland and Panzera. The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated 120-page catalogue published by CUNY with essays by Bland, Panzera, and Georgette Gouveia, editor of “WAG” magazine.
“Mediums of Exchange” – Downtown
When: Jan. 31 – March 30
Where: Shirley Fiterman Art Center
Borough of Manhattan Community College
81 Barclay St.
New York, NY
Reception: Feb. 6 at 6-8 p.m.
“Mediums of Exchange” – Uptown
When: Feb. 9 – May 4
Where: Lehman College Art Gallery / Fine Arts Building
Herbert H. Lehman College
250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
Bronx, NY
Reception: Feb. 13 at 5-8 p.m.
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