Our Story

On December 15th, 2011, I am going to exhibit Domestic Tension in the Jakarta Biennial XIV.  My work was selected by the Jakarta Arts Council, as one of two artists representing the United States; it is a great opportunity.

The Jakarta Biennial is a prestigious event held every two years since 1968 by the Jakarta Arts Council. Jakarta XIV called Maximum City, Survive or Escape? is curated by Bambang Wijanarko, Ilham Choiri and Seno Joko Suyono.  Jakarta is a city of diverse society: cosmopolitan, adventurous, a melting pot.  The event enriches and refreshes the practice and discourse of arts in Indonesia, especially by engaging the people directly in the arts projects in public areas. In line with the characteristics of the Bataviasche who are liberal and pluralistic, the event also introduces directly international works to the public as a reference of comparison for both the local and international artistic community. By introducing, enhancing appreciation, and then engaging the people in arts, the Jakarta Biennial raises the levels of tolerance and sympathy towards diverse creations and cultures.

My 2007 work Domestic Tension has special relevancy to the biennial theme. In Jakarta I will recreate the original installation, wherein I sequestered myself in a Chicago gallery with a paintball gun where people could shoot at me over the Internet for a month. The project was a way to provoke dialogue about the Iraq war, the technological and remote nature of modern warfare, and what it means for Iraqis to live constantly under the threat of fire. Through out the 31 day performance, over 70,000 individual shots were fired at me. I received international attention for the work and the Chicago Tribune named me the Artist of the Year in 2008 and called the dynamic installation, one of the sharpest works of political art to be seen in a long time.

The Impact

The exhibition installation in Jakarta begins December 10th. Currently, myself and the project manager Nathan Suter are making arrangements for shipping the piece plus flights and accommodations for installing the piece.  Your support will help make possible these essential aspects.

What We Need & What You Get

As you may know, exhibiting work and shipping crated work can be extremely costly. We need to raise $3,000 for shipping & packaging, insurance, administration expenses, on-site installation costs, and transportation. The Jakarta Arts Council has generously offered $3,000 for our flights and a modest honorarium. They have also offered to cover shipping through IMS freight.  The $3,000.00 that we are raising today, through IndieGoGo, is necessary for the costs which exceed Jakarta's funding. 

Pledge $10 or More
Personal email thank you and your name listed on website and Facebook page.

Pledge $25 or More
Personal email thank you and your name listed on website and Facebook page. + A thank you  postcard from Jakarta.

Pledge $50 or More
Personal email thank you and your name listed on website and Facebook page, a thank you postcard from Jakarta. + One signed print from the installation.

Pledge $150 or More
Personal email thank you and your name listed on website and Facebook page, a thank you postcard from Jakarta, one signed print from the installation + Signed copy of the book, SHOOT AN IRAQI: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun.

Pledge $500 or More
Personal email thank you and your name listed on website and Facebook page, a thank you souvenir postcard from Jakarta, one signed print from the installation + Signed copy of the book, SHOOT AN IRAQI: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun. + An invitation to a private dinner party.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please spread the word about our cause and use the share buttons above, or email to friends/colleagues to help others to notice our campaign and this incredible opportunity.

Thank you 

Thank you for taking time to read this and if you feel compelled to make a donation, then an even bigger thank you ! You are truly wonderful!  Also, a special thank you to Helen Day Art Center.