Mind-bending with the Mundane was an exhibition I curated at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) at MECA (Maine College of Art) in 2010. In 2009, the Maine State legislature passed marriage equality as any reasonable state should have done long before. However, a state-wide referendum was held that reversed that civil rights legislation. Marriage equality was reinstated in 2012 by another state-wide vote, but in the frustrating in betweentime, I felt compelled to put together this exhibition in an attempt to counter the misinformation and scare tactics used to create divides and frustrate identification.
The artists in the exhibition -- Alix Lambert, Andrew Raftery, Miller & Shellabarger, and Allison Smith -- were generous to loan their work to this exhibition, which was viewed by MECA students and cruise ship passengers attending First Friday Art Walk events alike.
Sincere thanks to former ICA Director, Lauren Fensterstock, who expertly and thoughtfully guided me through the curatorial process; Linda Lambertson, who shepherded the exhibition through receiving, installation, education, and return shipping with vim and verve; Daniel Fuller, who began his tenure as the ICA's Director in the middle of this exhibition and offered enthusiastic support; and to Ryan Lee Gallery in New York and Western Exhibitions in Chicago for loaning works by their artists. Special thanks to Alix Lambert for thrilling (albeit dusty) art historical adventures; Peter Halley for loaning work from his collection; Andrew Raftery; Stan Shellabarger and Dutes Miller; Allison Smith; and President Don Tuski and Dean Ian Anderson for their support of this exhibition.