The Super Imposer
(Redirected from California public art gallery removes political work)
Date: 2003
Region: North America
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Mixed Media
Artist: Jim Kimberly
Confronting Bodies: Fairfield Visual Arts Association officials
Dates of Action: November, 2003
Location: Fairfield, California
Description of Artwork: The Super Imposer consists of a stationary bicycle that, when peddled, superimposes the images of Osama Bin Laden and the American flag that are attached to adjacent panels.
The Incident: The Fairfield Visual Arts Association accepted Kimberly's piece for their juried exhibit at the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts. Three days later, Visual Arts Association officials asked him to pick up his piece. An arts center spokesperson, Rachel DeVries, suggested that the only place to exhibit the piece was near a doorway and the 6 by 6 foot piece was too large, creating a fire code violation. However, the association's Community Services Department director, John De Lorenzo, stated that "we didn't feel this piece was appropriate to place in a government facility."
Results of Incident: Kimberly's piece was removed from the exhibit. The NCAC's Arts Advocacy director, Svetlana Mintcheva, incited opposition to the art association's decision.
Source: The Daily Republic
