“Convention examines forms of gathering in our society; every artist in the exhibition is examining this phenomenon from a different perspective.” said Ruba Katrib, MOCA Assistant Curator. “MOCA is acting as a launching pad for several of the artists by creating an opportunity for them to experiment and initiate new projects.”
“In Miami, we have seen first-hand the enormous impact of events such as Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami International Boat Show, Winter Music Conference, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Miami International Film Festival and Miami Book Fair on the region,” states MOCA Executive Director Bonnie Clearwater. “In most cases, these mass gatherings alter the culture of the city. Although the current economic recession is impacting participation in events such as these to a certain degree, conventions, meetings and informal social gatherings continue to play an essential role in effective networking, innovation, and serendipitous encounters.”
Highlights of the exhibition include the video Herd Instinct 360 ° (2005-2006), by Swedish artist Fia Backström, in which the artist delivers a talk about convening that is accompanied by historical images of social, religious, and political gatherings. New York-based artist Xavier Cha will construct a dance floor that will function as a rehearsal space within the exhibition for local dancers. Throughout the exhibition’s duration, different dancers will practice their routines on this floor, which will provide free space and a new context for Miami’s large dance community. Los Angeles-based Fritz Haeg placed an open call to Miami area residents from which he selected a couple willing to host a series of salon discussions in their home during
the exhibition’s duration. The contents of the family’s actual living room will be transported to and displayed at the museum. In turn, Haeg will provide furnishings for the family for their in-home salon discussions, and a video and other materials will be produced to document the process. Visit Fritz Haeg's Miami Salon page here. The Los Angeles-based collective My Barbarian will exhibit a video that documents a theatre workshop it conducted in Trento, Italy in 2008 and will also create an interactive performance at MOCA. Miami-based artist Bert Rodriguez placed an open call for volunteers to assist him in fundraising efforts at locations throughout Miami that will result in a unique installation that will be updated during the exhibition to reflect the funds raised. Throughout the run of the exhibition, business, community and social groups will conduct meetings and events at the museum using an area created by Miami-based artist Gean Moreno.
MOCA is also partnering with Ecole des Beaux Arts in Nantes, France on an interactive information hut in conjunction with the exhibition.
Convention is made possible with support from Funding Arts Network and
Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council. Hotel accommodations for Convention are provided by Catalina Hotel & Beach Club. Beverages for Convention provided by Grolsch.
