Interconnectivity is a technology buzzword, but Kim Gordon -- rock star of Sonic Youth fame, originator of the X Girl label, and now artist and curator of "Kim's Bedroom," currently at Parco Gallery -- has presented it as the locus of her first curatorial foray. Gordon has assembled an eclectic group of friends, most of whom are already either famous artists or have gained recognition in their respective fields, and invites all comers to participate in the social culture that informs her life at this point in time.
Self-indulgence is not the leitmotif of this exhibition. The overriding theme Gordon gave to the 27 or so participating artists, who just happen to be personally connected to Gordon in some way, was to appeal to young people. A thread running through most of the work is young adolescent girls still in the "princess" stage, with all the magical potential or horror of life hanging before them.
The idea for Gordon to take up the mantle of curator came to her from her old friend Ton van Gool, one-time manager of the underground club Effenare in the otherwise dull Dutch factory town of Eindhoven, where Sonic Youth have continued to play over the last 18 years. Van Gool recently left the music business to become director of the MU gallery, and thanks to this exhibition, which was a major success in Holland, the gallery is now on the international map. His attitude as director is unique, especially in these market-oriented times when so many gallery directors have MBAs and no arts background; keep your eye on shows originating here.
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