Without You I am Nothing: Cultural Democracy from Providence and Chicago is an exhibition of works on paper that are not intended for public consumption but to create small venues for public participation.

The exhibition features posters by Xander Marro, Rob Ray, Karin Patzke, Andrew Oesch, Laura Szumowski, Dan S. Wang, and other cutting-edge artists that contain one or more of the following elements: stuff that falls off on purpose, windows, parts that move, space for new information, dials, buttons, removable elements, or other user-manipulated, four-dimensional aspects of awesomeness. In other words, Without You I am Nothing displays a wide collection of new, recent, and downright old works on paper that require more from the viewer than merely reading about, memorizing information on, and attending the event described in the poster. These are malleable, 3-dimensional, tactile, transient, or somehow otherwise inclusive of elements that can move, deteriorate, or be removed; or bits that must be rubbed, poked, ripped, pressed, wettened, prodded, or yanked to achieve full poster satisfaction. Full poster satisfaction is not guaranteed each viewer.

Without You I am Nothing shows posters made by artists based in Chicago, IL or Providence, RI. Two of the most exciting printmaking scenes in the country focus primarily on local communication and face-to-face interaction with known audience members. At any given moment, Without You I am Nothing removes half these posters from their native contexts, carefully placing them before an audience equally appreciative of the mode of communication.

Without You I am Nothing is curated by artist and cultural critic Anne Elizabeth Moore and runs March 27, 2009 through April 25, 2009 at Green Lantern Gallery in Chicago, IL (with Providence dates TBA.)

For a preview and updates, check: http://artshowheckyeah.wordpress.com/.