Free as Air and Water

An exhibition of diverse works exploring the confluence of art, access to resources, human rights, political ecology and environmental justice First event to launch public use of 41 Cooper Gallery, an innovative space in Cooper Union’s new academic facility, built to platinum LEED standards, at 41 Cooper Square WHAT: Free as Air and Water, a group exhibition that features a diverse array of artistic works that will explore the relationship between art, ecology, and human rights , is part of The Cooper Union’s 150th anniversary celebration (opening: 9/16, closing 10/27). The show marks the opening of 41 Cooper Gallery, an innovative gallery space housed in the college’s new academic, sustainable building at 41 Cooper Square. The group exhibition will examine the spirit of a historic quote by Cooper Union’s founder Peter Cooper: “Education should be Free as Air and Water.” Recognizing the difference between then (1859) and now (2009), the privatization of air, water and land has significantly impacted the environment and has created many challenges for citizens and subjects. Free as Air and Water will pose questions about our contemporary moment, linking a broad set of issues such a political ecology and the role of art in relation to the environment. Artists participating in Free as Air and Water include: Allora & Calzadilla, Amy Balkin, Robert Bordo, Bruce High Quality, Ross Cisneros, Amy Franceschini and Free Soil, Andrea Geyer, Hans Haacke, Paul Ramirez Jonas, Runo Lagomarsino, Marjetica Potrč, Temporary Services, Oscar Tuazon, and Lidwien Van de Ven, to name a few. In connection with the exhibition, Cooper Union’s Great Hall will house two panel discussions: Free as Air and Water Symposium I: Artistic responses to Self-Sustainability and Climate Change (9/16, 5-7pm) and Free as Air and Water Symposium II: Art in relation to Human Rights and the Freedom of Expression (10/27, 5-8pm). This project was funded in part by generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Robert Lehman Foundation. EXHIBITION DETAILS WHEN: Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7-9pm Exhibition on view: September 16 –October 27, 2009 Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 – 6pm WHERE: 41 Cooper Gallery The Cooper Union School of Art, 41 Cooper Square (3rd Ave. b/w 6th and 7th Sts.), Lower Level 1, New York, NY 10003, Subways: Astor Place (6), 8th Street (N, R, W) SYMPOSIA DETAILS WHEN: Free as Air and Water Symposium I: Artistic responses to Self-Sustainability and Climate Change, Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 5-7pm The Cooper Union, Great Hall, 7 East 7th Street, 2nd Floor (b/w 3rd and4th Aves.), New York, NY 10003 Subways: Astor Place (6), 8th Street (N, R, W) Free as Air and Water Symposium II: Art in relation to Human Rights and the Freedom of Expression, Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 5-8pm The Cooper Union, Great Hall (see above for address) FOR MORE INFORMATION: 212.353.4200 or www.cooper.edu