An exhibition curated by, and featuring the work of, the volunteers of The Soap Factory.
Curated by Kristina Fong, Ben Garthus, Gabe Strader-Brown, and Gary Wolfe.
Since 1988, The Soap Factory has been unique and renowned for its core of dedicated volunteers. Numbering over 100, and comprised of practicing artists, aspiring curators, and future arts administrators, The Soap Factory volunteers clock countless hours installing exhibitions, working events, and generally ensuring the success of The Soap Factory’s programs. The 4th Volunteer Biennale is your chance to discover the extraordinary talent of The Soap Factory volunteers and acquaint yourself with some of the most talented emerging artists in the Twin Cities. Organized entirely by The Soap Factory volunteers, MINIMAL/MANIMAL, gives 40 artist/volunteers some well-deserved time in the spotlight. Showcasing a rich variety of work in a wide range of mediums, MINIMAL/MANIMAL is a winking reference to the history of artmaking practices and movements.
From architectural and structured, to organic and biological, MINIMAL/MANIMAL plumbs the darker themes that permeate the aesthetic experience. Ben Garthus casts household and conventional objects, focusing on ingrained shapes, while Kim Benson's fleshy figures practically ooze off the canvas; Caroline Woodruff’s classic Madonna and Child imagery must coexist with Roxanne Jackson’s grotesque animal figures in a primal landscape; and live performances by Fiona MacNeill, Sergio Vucci, Heather Anderson and Brady Clark, and Colleen Harriss, on opening night promise to activate the gallery space in surprising and experimental ways.
Uniquely dedicated to live performance, the closing party for MINIMAL/MANIMAL will feature a host of live bands including Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lappelles, Tender Meat, and Alpha Centauri.
MINIMAL/MANIMAL Artists:
Iggy Beerbower, Kim Benson, Lindsey Borgerson, Nate Burbeck, Alison Burke, Vera Carlson, Tim Carroll, Eva Christopherson, Marc Clements, Robin Cotton, Pamela Council, Shawn Dalsen, Lee Delegard, Katelyn Farstad, Kristina Fong, Jane Frees-Kluth, Ben Garthus, Masaaki Genka, Sarah Grundhauser, Colleen Harriss, Robyn Hendrix, Soozin, Hirschmugl, Roxanne Jackson, Barbara Jarvis, Jordan Kocak, Daphnae Koop, Patrick Koziol, Ryan Kronzer, Fiona MacNeill, April Miller, Peter McLarnan, Kristina Mooney, David Moore, Cena O'Brien, Marie Pelkey, Emanuela Porcelli, Lyz Preus, Jesikah Ruehle, Kari Schuster, Peter Sowinski, Joel Starkey, Gabe Strader-Brown, Andy Sturdevant, Zach Taylor, Song Thao, Tiffany Thayer, Sergio Vucci, Kova Walker-Lecic, Rachel, Walter, Gary Wolfe, Caroline Woodruff.