Joy Machine gallery is preparing to launch an innovative art exhibition titled 'General Strike,' featuring custom-designed matchboxes created by more than 70 artists from across North America. The exhibition is scheduled to open on November 21 in Chicago, presenting a unique collection that transforms ordinary wooden matchboxes into diverse artistic expressions.
The exhibition explores profound questions about the role of art during times of crisis and what solidarity means to contemporary artists. According to the gallery, the concept of a general strike appeals to many advocates and activists because it represents one of the few options available to the general public when facing oppression or inequality. These strikes are often viewed as 'the people's veto,' and for non-unionized individuals, they represent less about traditional picket lines and more about calls for solidarity and identifying how personal skills can be most effectively utilized.
Christina Keith, writing about the need for solidarity, references activist and novelist Sarah Schulman's perspective on the essential tools for harnessing people power. Schulman identifies recognition, risk, and creativity as crucial elements necessary to reach the tipping point that transforms lives and, under extreme conditions of brutality, actually saves lives. The exhibition draws connections between these three principles and artistic practice, noting that discerning observation, personal sacrifice, provocative positioning, and abundant imagination are evident both in studio work and street activism.
The exhibition showcases over 70 different approaches to a singular object: large wooden matchboxes containing purple-tipped matchsticks. These vessels display a wide array of artistic mediums and methodologies from participating artists throughout North America. While some artworks celebrate whimsy, beauty, and life's pleasures, others direct viewers toward bold, decisive action. All pieces demonstrate an innate impulse to transform something simple into something entirely different.
The gallery emphasizes that like any crisis, whether tangible or moral, what's required is a variety of responses. The most effective approaches fan the flames of courage and ultimately insist on shared humanity. The exhibition argues that the particular nature of these approaches and the creative forces driving them make the struggle worthwhile, especially when everyone is 'striking together.'
A portion of proceeds from all artwork sold during the 'General Strike' exhibition will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The gallery is accepting RSVPs for the opening reception, and the show will feature work by notable participating artists including Andrew Hem, Barry Hazard, Stevie Shao, and Graham Franciose, among many others. All photographs of the exhibition are credited to Christopher Jobson and shared with permission from Joy Machine gallery.
