Spring ‘20: Pushing On A String

Pushing on a String is an expression used to covey frustration, often associated with ineffective bureaucratic initiatives.

The functional use of the string as an object or tool would not be activated and yield productive results. Instead, the string remains limp.

The action is absurd and out of place; a futile exertion of labor.

The absurd can be considered the state of ridiculousness, irritation- all endeavours that seem purposeless.

On a philosophical level, Martin Esslin refers to absurdum as an existential human tendency to search for meaning in life in an ir- rational universe.

The political facet of labor can be interrogated through questions about value systems and exploitation. This exhibition is about outcomes and expectations and will include artists who conceptually and materially play with expectations and repetitive labor that tends to privilege process over product.

The artists included in Pushing on a String thematically approach notions of labor through export and translation of data to machine, the meditative practice of drawing, photography, and performative action.

Pushing On A String, Spring 2020. Documentation by: Ada Dragomir.

Andrew Drakeford

Andrew Drakeford

Kira Buss

Anna Luth (Performance Still)

Anna Luth