“Felix Gonzalez-Torres Interviewd by Tim Rollins,” in Between Artists (ART Press, Los Angeles, 1996), 92.I always tell my students that as cultural producers we should be very aware of what the culture is doing. We must read the newspaper; we should watch the news; we should be finding out what is new, because even if we don’t take them on as issues, that stuff will affect us one way or another. For example, what is happening right now in Yugoslavia with men in uniform killing innocent people, I think that should also be part of the studio. I think that should also be a part of your ‘inspiration’ the way that the horror of being the homeless person down on the street should also be part of your life. Artists should be well informed.” Felix Gonzalez-Torres, 1996
The above quotation by Gonzalez-Torres echoes my own reasons for wanting to create this 20/21 Gallery Conversation about place. Though I listen to the radio, read newspapers, and try in other ways to educate myself about what is going on, both in Lawrence, Kansas and around the world, I am always struggling with the fact that I know so little about what is happening in the lives of people who aren’t part of my daily routine.I love this particular piece by Gonzalez-Torres because of its ambiguity. Does “place” indicate the specific spot on the gallery floor where the stacks sit, the 20/21 Gallery, the Spencer Museum, the University of Kansas, the city of Lawrence, the state of Kansas, the United States . . . ? Or, is place something less specific, such as when someone asks if you’re in a “good place,” meaning that you’re content with your friends, your work, and your life? I love how this piece takes my thoughts in different directions, to different places. I also love the work’s generosity, its invitation to literally take these ideas with you.
Emily Stamey, Co-Curator, 20/21 Gallery