Ronald Feldman Gallery

Ida Applebroog "Current Events" November 6 – December 4, 1982 Art in America
Yes, Twice, 1982 acrylic and rhoplex on canvas 83 x 65 ½ inches	Untitled (Time), 1982 acrylic and rhoplex on canvas 83 x 66 ¼ inches
Trinity Towers, 1982 acrylic and rhoplex on canvas 2 panels, 85 x 55 inches each	I'm a Jehovah's Witness, Can I Watch, 1982 painted lead figures approximately 2 inches high
Thank You Very Much, 1982 (detail) ink and rhoplex on vellum 7 panels, 10 ½ x 9 ½ x 1 inch each	It's Very Simple, 1981 (detail) ink and rhoplex on vellum 7 panels, 10 ½ x 9 ½ x 1 inch each
Click here for a PDF version of the following Press Release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 1982 IDA APPLEBROOG "Current Events" THE JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY, PARK BENCHES, WINDOWS OPENING NOVEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 4 GALLERY HOURS: TUES-SAT 10-6 Applebroog's work has long been concerned with "performance," not only as represented by actors on stage, but also with each performance resulting in an object – an artifact – something that exists in space as well as time – images of frozen theatre. Her work deals primarily with everyday, private moments and awkward attempts at communication; feelings of isolation and alienation, frequently tinged with humor. Applebroog is first and foremost a social commentator presenting the vulnerability of human relationships. "CURRENT EVENTS" emphasizes the fact that the codes and communications of our culture have undergone a recent transformation – the conservative renaissance, the move back to traditionalism. Her social dramas come increasingly under the pressure of political change and are punctuated with "Abortion is murder," "South Africa appears to be stable," "Why else did God give us the bomb??" they become part of her stories, of her performances. These works present scenes through a layering of seemingly familiar images, but without the conventional narrative flow. The story line keeps fading moving from one story into another of parallel, perhaps related, events. Applebroog's commentary remains elusive and ambiguous, provoking the viewers to make their own connections between domestic strife and political conflict, between plotlessness and paranoia, between what goes on "at home" and what is happening "out there." Applebroog's "CURRENT EVENTS" are presented through books, small vellum stagings, paintings, etchings, and sculptures. Her new series of "Blue Books" echoes the founding testament of the John Birch Society – Robert Welch's "Blue Book." Both the books and the small vellum stagings juxtapose domestic dramas and political utterances. In each, the domestic scene, with its sparse, ambiguous text, is repeated several times, only to be shattered by the final panel. The large canvas panels contain images within images and, like the stagings and books, end with Ma and Pa going off into the sunset hand in hand: "Life is good; isn't it, Mama??" Mama never answers. The spectator-participation, which Applebroog always forces upon us, also pervades her etchings and "Window Pieces." We are caught in the act of intruding upon the intimate actions of others, observing them through windows. The scenes evoke feelings of uncomfortable familiarity – we know these people – we've been there. And in Applebroog's series of small sculptures,"Ocean Parkway," we invade the private space of people on park benches. Their feelings are universal – funny, sad, human. While this show at the Ronald Feldman Gallery represents Applebroog's view of "CURRENT EVENTS," she is simultaneously exhibiting her version of "PAST EVENTS," presented by Creative Time in the New York Chamber of Commerce, 65 Liberty Street opening November 9th. Although very different in format, a viewing of both shows indicates that, in Applebroog's view, the line between past events and current events is indeed a murky one. This is Applebroog's second one-person show at the Ronald Feldman Gallery. The public is invited to the opening on Saturday, November 6th. A reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 7 PM that evening. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 6 PM, Mondays by appointment only. Admission is free.
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