Exhibition Info
THE SPINNING WHEEL Exhibition curated by Baba Israel and Yako 440 was an interative gallery show that engages with the archive of Baba’s late father and Living Theater alum steve ben israel. It included original posters, poetry, and photography by israel, prints by renowned political activist and artist Eric Drooker, original stencil work and collage by Yako 440, and original posters and photographic prints from steve ben israel’s time with the Living Theatre in the 60s and 70s.
The exhibit also featured an interactive installation created by Richard Ramchurn an interactive video artist who recently made waves with his brain controlled film Scanners. The installation serves as a recreation of steve ben israel’s den and gives the viewer a more intimate journey through the exhibited archive materials. The installation is guided by participants’ brain waves which transform into data that controls the users exploration through Living Theater video and audio recordings that span 50 years of radical performance.
The themes of the archive call for a spirit of dialogue and activism and a belief that art can transform the world around us. The exhibition space aims to reflect this, by challenging the traditional gallery environment and transforming it into a venue of play, experimentation, gathering and reflection, where viewers can engage interactively with the archive and take part in free public programs including film screenings, live music, spoken word, dance, talks, and parties.