On June 6, 2012, Allegra La Viola will open The Invisible Line, the first New York City solo show by Ellen Jong. The exhibition, which is curated by mr. and mrs. Olu, will feature photographs from Jong’s self-published monograph, Getting to Know My Husband’s Cock. It features 25 framed works, a mixed media installation, and will be accompanied by a Happening, which invites participation from one and all to cross their own Invisible Line.
The Invisible Line is the demarcation between fear and fearlessness. Kit is that thing that holds us back, or thrusts us forth into the great, wild, unknown space where possibility that makes every life so perfectly unique. To cross or not to cross, that is the question. But who could be an artist if they allowed fear to dictate their creative process?
As Jong observes, “There is an invisible line that lies between my body and my mind. It withholds my deepest beliefs, fears, curiosities and desires. It is there to protect me. It is there to tell others where I stand, what is mine and why I am. In falling in love, I lost sight of my invisible line and I let it go. Love breaks down walls and sets you free.”
For Jong, the creation of her monograph echoes the process of falling in love. She had to face her deepest fears and release them into the universe. The result was not just the success of having her work well received, it was the commitment every artist must make to themselves—to persevere by every means.
For many artists, one of the greatest fears is money. Who has it? Where will it come from? How does one finance their dreams? Can we manifest our purpose with it—or without it? What are our opportunities?
It is amazing that a piece of paper could hold such sway, but we will empower it to disempower us unless we learn a better way. And into this void came an answer only possible with the advent of digital technology: Kickstarter was born of the need, not just for funding but for creating community. Kickstarter shows us how technology exists in service of the greater good. It provides the platform upon which we can introduce our dreams to the world. It is here that we can ask, without the residue of self-imposed shame, for the financial support to turn our dreams into reality. Because why should there be shame or judgment in creating community among those who love and support creative energy?
I, for one, believe we must put our money where our mouth is, and that means to walk the walk each and every day. Supporting artists cannot be the exclusive responsibility of the government or select institutions. If we believe in art we should support the artists directly, without asking for anything in return. However, Kickstarter offers rewards; it allows us to get something back for that which we give—and for many people this souvenir of their investment can be a meaningful way to honor the support they give to the artist.
Art is its own ends, whereas money is merely the means. And when we support the visionaries we believe in, we make it possible for the community to share in something greater than themselves. There is nothing so inspiring and enlivening as being among the flourishing, to feel the energy that comes from being a part of a movement and supporting the provocative, the beautiful, the compelling—all that which is original thought and creativity.
Those who say nothing is original are cynics, and cynics have quit their own lives. Everything is original. Every moment we are on this earth is unlike any other, and in these moments we create ourselves anew. And to do this we must have faith and ct without fear. To do this, each one of us must cross The Invisible Line.
Miss Rosen
Ellen Jong
June 6 – July 7, 2012
Allegra La Viola Gallery
179 East Broadway
New York
NY 10002
(917) 463-3901
