GenArtSF began our NewFangle exhibition program in 1998, as a means of offering exposure and professional development to artists working in an underrepresented field. Fortunately, public interest in the media arts continues to swell. Yet, as we present the third show in what is now an annual program, we find that the need to support emerging Bay Area artists working in new genres is as strong as ever.
As it becomes more difficult for organizations like GenArtSF to present such programs, as a result of the current political and economic conditions, so too does it become more difficult for artists to find venues for exhibition, discussion, and financial support of their work.
That said, we are very excited about this year's show. Our curators - five artists and organizers who have worked for decades to define and promote the field - have selected nine outstanding artists. There is no theme to the show, per se; rather, the curators are given the task of selecting emerging Bay Area artists whose work is "technology-based."
This imperative sparked many important discussions about "what constitutes technology". Much of the work is not "high tech" (you will only see 3 computers!). However, all of the work comments, in some way, on the social, commercial, and ecological effects technologies have had on our lives - an important, ongoing topic of discussion....
GenArtSF would like to thank our NewFangle 2001 curators: Jeanne Finley, artist and professor, CCAC; Skawennati Fragnito, artist and independent curator; Lynn Hershman, artist and professor, UC Davis; Jason Lewis, artist & founder, The Thought Shop; Benjamin Weil, curator of media arts, SFMOMA
The exhibition was organized by GenArtSF board member Marisa S. Olson and volunteer chair Greg Niemeyer, with the help of GenArtSF Executive Director Nicole Avril. The exhibition and installation would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and hard work of the participating artists and GenArtSF's invaluable board of directors and volunteers.
GenArtSF's mission is to strengthen and empower the community of young artists; to cultivate a new generation of arts audiences; and to connect the arts community to the community at large. A volunteer organization run by young Bay Area professionals, GenArtSF offers a variety of programs including temporary exhibitions, programs for artists and arts audiences, and opportunities for new collectors. GenArtSF is a project of The San Francisco Foundation Community Initiative Funds.