Student Collective Auctions Cal Arts' Main Gallery on ebay; Highest Bidder is Fluxus Midwest Acting Director

Source: Arts Wire CURRENT at Arts Wire

VALENCIA, CA -- On October 15, a collective at the California Institute of the Arts, (Cal Arts) known as the AKSHUN group put the school's main gallery up for auction on the Internet auction house ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181775260

The action evoked criticism from the school as well as widespread interest including from a North Korean dissident group. According to AKSHUN, local Cal Arts rivals, UCLA and Pasadena Art Center also made very strong bids for the gallery space.

On Sunday, October 24, when the auction closed, the highest bidder was Allen Bukoff, Acting Director, Fluxus Midwest with a bid of $565.55.

The ebay listing read: "Enormous gallery space for immediate bidding! More than 300 feet of wall space available for exhibition at prestigious art institute from December 11 -December 16 1999. White walls, track lighting, 24 hour access and security, excellent condition. Located in institute's main building, near central entryway. Guaranteed audience of no less than 1200 art critics, curators and artists."

Cal Arts spokesperson Louis O'Toole said, according to AKSHUN, that while Cal Arts does not censor any art work, this is an illogical use of the exhibition space, which has been allotted for student expression. "I don't know why these kids would shoot themselves in the foot by selling off such a valuable resource to competitors," the students quote him as saying.

The winner, Allen Bukoff, has been self appointed Fluxus Midwest acting director since the early 80's and has been associated with the email delivered FLUXLIST since its beginnings. He told Arts Wire that the auctioning of the space fits with Fluxus because Fluxus originally tried to raise questions about the art world. Although the fact that that much money was paid was somewhat ironic.

"I like the tactic because of the issues it raises," he said. "Whoever does something in that space is working in an environment of two art projects -- the exhibition itself; and then they've [the student group] created the other layer.

According to AKSHUN, a dissident political group from North Korea which hoped to use the gallery space to publicize views banned by their government was in contact with them, but that section 6 of the Export Administration Act (EAA), which forbids Americans from trading with North Koreans, based on the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, held up their bidding.

The student group had considered appealing to Secretary of State Madeline Albright for an exemption, arguing that the Act infringes on their first amendment right to free speech. "...the goal of the ebay auction is not an exchange of money but rather the free exchange of ideas," they stated.

Allen Bukoff has a number of ideas about using the space, but is waiting for confirmation from AKSHUN. If the transaction is completed, the resulting exhibition is likely to be minimal and conceptual, and he may float some ideas on FLUXLIST.

Sources/resources:

THE AUCTION ON EBAY --
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181775260

AKSHUN -- Email: akshun@geek.com tel: 310-398-7874

FLUXUS PORTAL -- http://www.fluxus.org

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