COLOR DOT CONNECT: Curtis Carman and John Hanning

COLOR DOT CONNECT
Curtis Carman and John Hanning, curated by Visual AIDS
Mixed Greens Windows
September 11 - November 15, 2014

Opening Reception: September 11, 6-8PM

Curtis Carman and John Hanning have collaborated to present “Color Dot Connect.” The proverbial, “connect the dots” in this case refers to connectivity between two artists and a broader universal connection to others. A dot, like a circle, can represent themes of infinity, universality and spirituality. The use of the dot allows Carman and Hanning to make connections between their aesthetics, both literally and conceptually. Living with HIV, both artist embrace life. This collaboration is an attempt to share the joy of that embrace while having survived AIDS.

Curtis Carman received his MFA (2006) in sculpture from Hunter College. His work, which includes sculpture, installation, performance, and photography, investigates the mediation of constructed identity in social arenas and subsequent dislocation. Carman, using a variety of materials and found objects, often employs wit, frivolity, and travesty to subvert the norms of conformity. In addition to his own performance work, he has also appeared with Karen Finley, Michael Mahalchick, and Zachary Fabri. Curtis Carman’s most recent show was a solo exhibit in 2014 at OZANEAUX ArtSpace in New York. Carman’s work has also been exhibited locally and internationally, including LMCC Swing Space, La Mama Gallery, The Jersey City Museum, General Public in Berlin, and Documenta XII in Kassel, Germany. Past awards include an LMCC Artist Grant, Visual Aids Artist Grant, aDAAD travel grant, and a Tom Woods Award. Curtis Carman is proud to be a Visual AIDS archive member since 1999.

John Hanning is a collage and digital artist born in Arkansas. He attended Memphis College of Art, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parsons The New School for Design. His work has been shown in numerous group exhibitions including Leslie Lohman, Silent Auction to benefit the GMHC, NY; Limner Gallery, Hudson, NY; SKH Gallery, Great Barrington, MA; and in alternative spaces throughout New York City. In 2013, he teamed up with Visual AIDS for a workshop titled "What’s Your Story? – A Collage Making Workshop with John Hanning" in conjunction with the NYPL Exhibition, Why We Fight: Remembering AIDS Activism. For his most recent project, The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) selected Hanning to create a series of community art projects—breaking down the barrier between the artist and the public. This project is made possible by the property and business owners of the FAB Alliance with support from the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Hanning is also the founder of COSMODESU INC, which owns and manages the rights for Cosmo, Hanning’s stick-figure alter-ego and virtual avatar. He lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Mixed Greens represents US-based artists that specialize in conceptually driven and figurative work in a diversity of media. We currently represent seventeen artists who are at varying stages of their careers. Mixed Greens was originally conceived during the late ‘90s to support emerging artists. By promoting them online and through other non-traditional means, such as experimental spaces in locations across the country, Mixed Greens built a reputation of approachability and inventiveness. The goal was to make contemporary artists accessible to the public and vice versa. Mixed Greens became known as a gallery where emerging artists are given their first solo shows in New York City. Now, the artists are vibrant and recognized members of the contemporary art dialogue. Due to the success of its artists and its recognition within the collecting and curating communities, Mixed Greens developed organically from its revolutionary inception into a traditional gallery. Today we continue in the same spirit as we did in 1999, and strive to show work that is not only of contemporary interest, but will be of lasting art historical significance.