Ira Cohen "Dr. Mabuse" 1966-70
Tomorrow marks a week since "Language of the Birds: Occult and Art" closed, and I'm still decompressing and processing this unbelievable experience. The show was a success in the traditional sense, and I'm grateful for it: record-breaking attendance, wide and warm press coverage, enthusiastic feedback from the artists and collectors and staff and viewers. I am deeply thankful for this, and I do not take it lightly.
But I believe all of this also can be considered a triumph for sincerity and spirit, both of which are not always easy to come by in the art world. Stepping aside as the person who curated it for a moment, I think the reason the show touched a nerve is because it celebrated work which is rooted in the deep desire to connect with something greater, to transform the self and the world, and to create an exchange of energy and ideas that transcend commodification. The people who create and love this type of art do so because they are curious and open to mystery, and because they sense that magic(k) matters. It was a great honor to get to organize this exhibition, and to create a temporary zone for invisible forces - by whatever name one chooses to call them - to be acknowledged and welcomed wholeheartedly.
Speaking of acknowledgements, I could not have possibly done any of this alone, and I'm humbled by all of the assistance I was given during the year it took to pull it together, and the five weeks it was up. The following was printed in the show hand-outs, but I'd like to reproduce it here to ensure that these wonderful people get the credit and thanks that they deserve:
Acknowledgements
The curator wishes to thank all of the lenders to this exhibition for their generosity and support.
Additional gratitude goes to: Susan L. Aberth, Robert Ansell, Patricia Artundo, Olivia Baldwin, Peter Bebergal, Jonathan Berger, Carol Bove, William Breeze, Dean Dominic Brewer, Tammy Brown, Ken Castronuovo, Ryan Clark, Francesco Clemente, Mikel Durlam, Dustin Foster, Raymond Foye, Matthew Freeman, Jessica Iannuzzi Garcia, Kendy Genovese, Nina & Rich Grossman, Emily Grossman, Elyse Harary, Benjamin Hatcher, Hugh O’Rourke, Stephen Romano, Gordon Terry, and Benjamin Tischer.
Special thank you to Jesse Bransford for his wise council, and for making this exhibition possible.
Language of the Birds is dedicated to the memory of Sonya Grossman.
Finally, I'd like to thank you, dear Phantasmaphiles. When I started this site a little over 10 years ago, I could not have imagined the portals it would open for me, nor the friends, collaborators, and community it would bring into my life. To say that "Language of the Birds" would not have happened without you is no exaggeration. Thank you for reading, and thank you for showing up time and time again, whether in person or in the e-aether.
Onward.
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