The 2005 Atlanta Biennial at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center Takes a Regional Focus The Exhibit Runs From April 16 June 4 2005



April 2, 2005 -- The 2005 Atlanta Biennial features work by sixteen artists from five southern states. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee are represented by the artists Barbara Campbell (Greensboro, NC), Benita Carr (Atlanta, GA), Santiago De Paoli (Atlanta, GA), Stephanie Dotson (Athens, GA ), Jennifer Drummond (Farmington, GA), Ben Fain (Atlanta, GA), Mirtha Ferrer (Atlanta, GA), Sally Heller (New Orleans, LA), Terri Jones (Memphis, TN), Dona Lief (New Orleans, LA), Lester Julian Merriweather (Memphis, TN), Christopher McNulty (Auburn, AL), Amy Pleasant )Birmingham, AL), Jane Timberlake (Birmingham, AL), Cody VanderKaay (Athens, GA), Matthew Weddington (Lexington, Kentucky)

Curator Helena Reckitt conducted extensive studio visits in order to identify the most vital work from among more than 250 regional artists' submissions. As Reckitt explains, "The Contemporary is one of the few venues in Atlanta committed to presenting innovative work, if it looked like an artist was working at a level of formal or conceptual experimentation, I set up a studio visit."

In addition to several respected local figures, the exhibition features emerging artists - including some still in graduate school - and those with established reputations who are not part of the Atlanta visual arts circuit. While a number of artists mine the potential of traditional media like painting, sculpture, and photography, many work across conventional boundaries, incorporating a wide array of materials and approaches in their work.

"Of course the show reflects my tastes," notes Reckitt. "I'm interested in conceptually-oriented work, especially if it has a sense of wit or humor. My background in feminism makes me sympathetic to work which explores the broad area of 'the feminine.' I am suspicious of grandiose statements in art and am drawn to a delicate aesthetic. That said, I also enjoy artwork that provokes a strong, visceral response."

Alan Sondheim initiated the Atlanta Biennial in 1984 as a tongue-in-cheek response to the Whitney's influential survey (which, noticeably, did not include a single artist from the South in 2004). For 2005, the selection criteria 2005 Atlanta Biennial were broadened from artists in and around Atlanta to encompass those working throughout the Southeast. The Biennial will return to an Atlanta focus in 2007. While the exhibition makes no claims for, nor attempts to find a southern aesthetic, it does aim to celebrate the vitality and sophistication of artists who call the region home.

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center will take the opportunity of the opening of the 2005 Atlanta Biennial to recognize the Fulton County Commissioners and Arts Council for the invaluable support given to the Contemporary and for the important role they play in the Atlanta art community.

2005 Atlanta Biennial schedule of events
- Saturday, April 16 7 - 9 pm Artists' Reception
6 - 7 pm Artist led gallery tour with Barbara Campbell, Terri Jones, Dona Lief, Christopher McNulty, Matthew Weddington and curator Helena Reckitt 9 - 10 pm Music by the Glasses
- Wednesday, June 1 6:30 - 8 pm Artist led gallery tour with Benita Carr, Santiago De Paoli, Cody VanderKaay and curator Helena Reckitt

Founded in 1973, the Contemporary is a non-profit multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to excellence, experimentation and education in all forms of contemporary art. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, 535 Means Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, (404) 688-1970, www.thecontemporary.org.





The 2005 Atlanta Biennial at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center Takes a Regional Focus The Exhibit Runs From April 16 June 4 2005