11:59

11:59 is an unconventional exhibition calling for artists to explore the transformative moment just before the stroke of midnight. We invite submissions that delve into personal, diverse, and subjective experiences tied to the fleeting pivotal moment at the change of a day.

The title, 11:59, encapsulates the essence of the exhibition, representing the final moment before significant change—a precipice between the familiar and the unknown. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme through their own lens, considering the nuances of deadlines, the end and beginning of days, the normalcy of daily life, and the profound connections between nature and liminal spaces.

This concept is simultaneously about anxiety and potential, embodying the precipice of change where decisions can be made and futures shaped. 11:59 feels elusive, like the blurred boundary between the end of one day and the start of another, challenging artists to explore the abstract nature of this transitional period.

The exhibition seeks to transcend the confines of clock time, recognizing that there is no literal 11:59 in nature. Instead, the moment at 11:59 serves as a metaphor for the shared human experience, synchronized by the clock's ticking. Artists are invited to reflect on this regulation by clock time, exploring the shared fake human experiences that bind us in this temporal construct.

11:59 is an exhibition born from the collaborative efforts of students enrolled in the Open Call class, led by Blair Simmons. This showcase represents more than just an art exhibition; it's a journey of exploration and self-discovery undertaken by budding artists navigating the complexities of creativity.

Participating students collectively shaped the theme, created their own artwork, and supported each other's creative processes. The theme of 11:59 is centered around the transformative moment just before the stroke of midnight—a fleeting, yet profound moment symbolizing the delicate balance between anxiety and potential. Artists are invited to explore this theme through their lens, reflecting on the nuances of transition and the passage of time.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the concept of 11:59, a metaphorical representation of the final moment before significant change—a precipice between the familiar and the unknown. This theme encourages artists to delve deep into their own experiences, contemplating the complexities of existence and the inevitability of change. Through their artworks, artists capture the essence of this transitional period, exploring the blurred boundary between endings and beginnings. "11:59" catalyzes reflection, prompting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with change and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Playing with the confines of clock time, the exhibition often transcends temporal constraints. Originating from a collaborative learning environment, this show serves as an invitation to explore the universal themes of transformation and growth, fostering dialogue and understanding among artists and viewers. As you experience 11:59, we invite you to immerse yourself in the richness of the artists’ expressions and discoveries. Witness the honesty and authenticity of these emerging artists as they navigate the complexities of existence and embrace the potential of the unknown.

Artists

Anna Ren, Aneesa Julmice, Ava Grabar, Crystal Zhang, FILS, Jessica Lin, Jiwon Yu, Kathryn Lee, Kyra Li, Meggie Weinheimer, Sarah Koh, Victoria Liu, Wanting Mao, Yihua Tao, Yilin Wang, Yiwa (Eva) He, Yuhanxiao (Maggie) Ma, Yerui Luo

Curator

Blair Simmons

Co-curators

Xiaotian Zhang, Suraj Barthy, Shuang Cai