THE INSTALL SITUATION
An exhibition by I-Chien Chen & Che Pai
With Phoebe Chen, Rob Croll, Chia Chun Huang, Mallory Qiu,
Alejandra Ramos, Jonas Sun, Ricardo Vilas Freire, Polina Shklovskaya,
Jenny Lee, Yixiao Yao, zhuyan ye, and SITE Gallary
2023.10.18 to 2023.11.17 at SITE Gallary
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The Install Situation considers the supporting structures of contemporary exhibition-making. In an unfolding process of installation and de-installation, the exhibition investigates the gallery space as a site of invisible labor and artistic production.
Throughout the duration of the show, ensemble members are instructed to apply installation techniques learned during boot camp training. They engage with gallery inventories and participate in tasks typically handled by installation technicians. This extended installation process transforms performance into an act of collective care toward the gallery space, its inventory, and its dedicated staff. By constructing situations that foreground the peripheries of the white cube, the project seeks to initiate a dialogue on labor in the art world.
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Opening Event (2023.10.16)
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai, Phoebe Chen, Rob Croll,
Chia Chun Huang, Mallory Qiu, Alejandra Ramos, Jonas Sun
Activation 1 (2023.10.25)
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai, and Alejandra Ramos
Performance (2023.10.27)
zhuyen ye, Chia Chun Huang, Yixiao Yao, Jenny Lee,
Polina Shklovskaya, Ricardo Vilas Freire
Activation2 (2023.11.01)
Che Pai, Chia Chun Huang, I-Chien Chen
with SITE install directors Charlie Miller.
Activation3 (2023.11.07)
“Micro budget project”
Rob and zsa zsa
Rob proposed an idea of inviting SITE members to create works addressing their experience working behind the scenes of the gallery, providing a micro budget of $16.80, one hour of Rob’s wage as a teaching assistant at SAIC.
Zsa zsa (SITE gallery technician) hangs a section of drywall on the gallery wall, effectively installing her own piece of wall to then install on again.
Activation4 (2023.11.09)
“Ways of Sitting”
Jonas Sun
Lecture Performance (2023.11.09)
Lecture Performance
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai
Deinstall (2023.11.28)
Deinstall and Painting
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Opening Event (2023.10.16)
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai, Phoebe Chen, Rob Croll,
Chia Chun Huang, Mallory Qiu, Alejandra Ramos, Jonas Sun
Activation 1 (2023.10.25)
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai, and Alejandra Ramos
Performance (2023.10.27)
zhuyen ye, Chia Chun Huang, Yixiao Yao, Jenny Lee,
Polina Shklovskaya, Ricardo Vilas Freire
Activation2 (2023.11.01)
Che Pai, Chia Chun Huang, I-Chien Chen
with SITE install directors Charlie Miller.
Activation3 (2023.11.07)
“Micro budget project”
Rob and zsa zsa
Rob proposed an idea of inviting SITE members to create works addressing their experience working behind the scenes of the gallery, providing a micro budget of $16.80, one hour of Rob’s wage as a teaching assistant at SAIC.
Zsa zsa (SITE gallery technician) hangs a section of drywall on the gallery wall, effectively installing her own piece of wall to then install on again.
Activation4 (2023.11.09)
“Ways of Sitting”
Jonas Sun
Lecture Performance (2023.11.09)
Lecture Performance
I-Chien Chen, Che Pai
Deinstall (2023.11.28)
Deinstall and Painting
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Initiated by I Chien Chen and co-directed with Che Pai, The Install Situation is a multi-layered collaboration. Guided by the conceptual framework established by I Chien Chen and Che Pai, ensemble artists, and gallery staff each approach the topics in their own unique way, with many proposing self-initiated projects featured within the exhibition.
This exhibition is made possible through the work of all the participating artists, the support of SITE Gallery, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
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I Chien Chen
Che Pai
CO-DIRECTORS
I Chien Chen
Che Pai
COLLABORATORS
Phoebe Chen
Rob Croll
Chia Chun Huang
Mallory Yanhan Qiu
Alejandra Ramos
Jonas Sun
Ricardo Vilas Freire
Polina Shklovskaya
Jenny Lee
Yixiao Yao
zhuyan ye
SITE TEAM
Joseph Josué Mora
Liv (zsa zsa) Helmin
Matthew Cortez
Charlie Miller
Felipe Villada
Sofiya Lobanovich
Michelle Davo Ortiz
Caitlin Cooner
David Zhang
Clare Haffner
Misa Sourour
Ruiying Xiong
Spencer Grogan
Jackie Swanson
Songe Kvinsland
Ella-Madeline
Alessandra Brenzel