DAN LEVENSON – TWO PROPOSALS TOWARD THE FORMATION OF A NEW ART SCHOOL
2022-07-04The imaginary State Art Academy, Zürich (SKZ), forms the basis of Dan Levenson’s practice as an artist. Through performance, video, installation, objects and paintings, Levenson expounds on the curriculum and philosophy of an institution that, although never existed, reflects on art institutions both past and present.
The first proposal, “SKZ Kindergarten Maquette,” takes the form of a miniature kindergarten classroom, itself an artwork, that is based on live interactive performances Levenson exhibited with children aged 2-9 in 2019 and 2020. The maquette contains miniature scale versions of the components of the live performances: flat-pack modernist children’s easels and mannequins wearing painting tunics. The mirrored walls of the classroom maquette suggest infinite expansion. Kindergarteners are gently introduced to the same strict formalist principles which form the basis of the advanced graduate program. An accompanying video documents the live performances.
Opposite – Video Still from SKZ Children’s Painting Workshop
Exhibition runs through to September 10th, 2022
Praz-Delavallade
6150 Wilshire Blvd
CA 90048 Los Angeles
