For New York's 2005 Armory Show, I created a roadside recruiting station with my own armory of over one hundred multi-colored rifles, muskets, and sabers based on those used during the American Civil War. Collectors interested in purchasing these weapons were required to "enlist in my cause" by signing a limited edition printed certificate, acknowledging that they had voluntarily armed themselves with art. In the act of enlistment, each collector also vowed to be a supporter and defender of art, as well as to "muster into action" when called to duty on future occasions.
Armory
Armory
2005
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2005
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"Armory," The Armory Show: International Fair of New Art, New York, Bellwether booth. Also exhibited in "Allison Smith: The Muster 2005," Governors Island, New York Harbor, New York, a project of the Public Art Fund; Floor cloth exhibited in "Grow Your Own," Palais de Tokyo, Paris, organized by Peter Coffin. Field desk collection of Arario Gallery, Cheonan, South Korea. Photo credit Allison Smith.
Armory Arms
2005
Carved wood, dyed and painted, aluminum
100 pieces
2005
Carved wood, dyed and painted, aluminum
100 pieces
Exhibited in "Armory," The Armory Show: International Fair of New Art, New York, Bellwether booth, 2005; "Allison Smith: The Muster 2005," Governors Island, New York Harbor, New York, a project of the Public Art Fund; "Now Again the Past: Rewind, Replay, Resound," Carnegie Arts Center, Tonawanda, New York, curated by Joanna Raczynska: "Open Score Variations," Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson. Photo credit Daphne Fitzpatrick.
Armory (Volunteer Enlistment Certificate)
2005
Silkscreen
2005
Silkscreen
Designed by Jorge Colombo. Edition of 100. Screen printed by Sara Saltzman. "Armory," The Armory Show: International Fair of New Art, New York, Bellwether booth, 2005. "Open Score Variations," Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, curated by Dan Mason, 2010.