Affairs Within Stalls, 2013
Based on the idea of the public and private lives we lead, I'm offering you a performance in your home. I will sing an approximately thirty minute concert while taking a shower in your shower. You may invite as many people as will be able to hear me from outside the shower stall.
Concerts will have various themes such as, folk, country, classical, Lilith Fair, Fiona Apple, Nina Simone, or my personal music, war, loss, existentialism, etc. When you contact me about performing, we will decide which concert is best for you.
Concerts will have various themes such as, folk, country, classical, Lilith Fair, Fiona Apple, Nina Simone, or my personal music, war, loss, existentialism, etc. When you contact me about performing, we will decide which concert is best for you.
Rode Concert, 2012
Singing taxi for visitors and participants of Road Concert Los Angeles on Mulholland Drive.
This performance was an upending of the private experience of "car-singing", made public for friends and strangers. In Los Angeles, the experiences associated with driving are often engraved in our memory and attached to authentic emotional triggers. While the expectation of this experience to form memories and bonds may have been surface, there were several instances when the song choice, the iconic drive, and the feeling of human connection transcended the notion of "performance" and no one was "performing" in those moments.
This performance was an upending of the private experience of "car-singing", made public for friends and strangers. In Los Angeles, the experiences associated with driving are often engraved in our memory and attached to authentic emotional triggers. While the expectation of this experience to form memories and bonds may have been surface, there were several instances when the song choice, the iconic drive, and the feeling of human connection transcended the notion of "performance" and no one was "performing" in those moments.
entschuldigen Sie, Nobody Walks in LA, 2012
Details of my project in Berlin will be coming soon.
California Girl, 2012
A performance conceived for the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, "California Girl" involved the subverting of of the "gaze" through the consumption of gender, fruit, and Americana. As "California Girls" by the Beach Boys played, I ate oranges with the skin on, while lounging in a large plexi orange crate, wearing a male-gendered "bathing suit" shirt.
The Giving Tree (in collaboration with Yarn Bombing Los Angeles), 2012
In collaboration with Yarn Bombing Los Angeles, the California Poppy Collective made specially designed seed bombs to be distributed by Yarn Bombing LA's Giving Tree, installed in front of the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum.
Girl Scout Project, 2012
I was a Girl Scout in the 1980's and 90's, participating in Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. As an only child, Girl Scouts was the first opportunity for me to make lasting friendships outside of school. As a
feminist, I value the way it fostered a desire for female/feminine community, which has stayed with me to this day.
The Girl Scouts' commitment to gender rights inspired the project I contributed to their centennial exhibition. Five of the paintings exhibited were created by Daisies from Spanish Trails Troop 394. In a two hour "playshop", I gave the troop a lesson in Abstract Expressionist painting, with the intent that a Girl Scout patch be developed in Abstract Expressionism. The patch for this is a white patch, painted by the Scouts, themselves, to reflect their painting.
Abstract Expressionism is not only an inherently American movement, but it has traditionally been dominated by ultra-masculine (often misogynist) men. This project not only allows for a more modern art
education that is lacking in schools but, the idea of young girls attempting AbEx painting subverts the chauvinist undertones that plague the critique of the art form, while empowering Scouts to think
abstractly; a skill necessary for critical thinking.
A special thanks to Daisy Abstract Expressionists: Charley Bellue, Abby Carroll, Macie Pillow, Samirah Saja, August Trawick, and Troop 394.
feminist, I value the way it fostered a desire for female/feminine community, which has stayed with me to this day.
The Girl Scouts' commitment to gender rights inspired the project I contributed to their centennial exhibition. Five of the paintings exhibited were created by Daisies from Spanish Trails Troop 394. In a two hour "playshop", I gave the troop a lesson in Abstract Expressionist painting, with the intent that a Girl Scout patch be developed in Abstract Expressionism. The patch for this is a white patch, painted by the Scouts, themselves, to reflect their painting.
Abstract Expressionism is not only an inherently American movement, but it has traditionally been dominated by ultra-masculine (often misogynist) men. This project not only allows for a more modern art
education that is lacking in schools but, the idea of young girls attempting AbEx painting subverts the chauvinist undertones that plague the critique of the art form, while empowering Scouts to think
abstractly; a skill necessary for critical thinking.
A special thanks to Daisy Abstract Expressionists: Charley Bellue, Abby Carroll, Macie Pillow, Samirah Saja, August Trawick, and Troop 394.
Our Bed, 2012
Both urban and suburban landscapes abound with interstitial space. These spaces are often ripe with possibility, but are seen as fruitless. The question arises of ownership vs. occupancy. Does unoccupied interstitial space belong to the community or the landlord? Is unoccupied space, which is unable to yield community use, unethical?
Blanket Solidarity, 2011-2012
"As the weather gets colder, campers at your local "Occupation" will need blankets, and cold weather gear. This is a collaborative, open project encouraging artists and art enthusiasts to make and donate blankets to your local occupations. The way you make and/or embellish your blankets will encourage Occupiers in addition to keeping them warm! There is no obligation to participate. We only ask that you encourage others to donate, even if you cannot participate, yourself. Weather could seriously damage the occupations. This is a way to try and prevent that from happening!"- The Blanket Solidarity Site, December, 2011
We Should Stick Together (Feminist Glue Wrestling Tournament), 2011
Thirdwave feminism relies on identity tolerance. Does too much tolerance, however, encourage intolerance? Referencing mud wrestling, the performers are wrestling in a hardening substance of flour and water. The line is blurred between a gallery and a rowdy bar. The wrestlers literally represent the idea that performance is living sculpture, while figuratively questioning the ability of a person to progressively act while being objectified, essentialized, or displayed in some way.
Association, 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
Kevin B. MacDonald is currently a professor of psychology at Cal State University Long Beach. MacDonald is a known point of contention in the University and throughout the larger United States, due to his books on Judaism as “group evolutionary strategy”. MacDonald believes psychology and social evolution support his theory that “Whites” and “Asians” are the superior races, and that Jews have used a number of strategies to “out-compete” with non-Jews, including a larger enrollment in higher learning institutions (among MacDonaldʼs solutions are to admit less Jews to universities and tax Jews, so that their wealth does not collectively accumulate).
My work as an artist explores the tension between humans and their social, psychological, and physical environments. Professor MacDonald is clearly in tension with his academic environment at CSU Long Beach. The intent of this project is to ask the question; at what point does tolerance become tolerant of intolerance? It is also to illuminate the institutional manner in which contemporary racism and anti-semitism is operating.
For GLAMFA, 2011, I am proposing a project that both explores MacDonaldʼs presence on campus and encourages attendees to question their personal relationship to race and academic freedom. For the exhibition, I have created a fake organization known as the National Group Evolutionary Psychology Student Association. During the opening I will have a booth in the style of a “college recruiting booth” in the courtyard, comprised of a table with a “N.G.E.P.S.A” tablecloth (made by myself), a pop-up canopy, “recruitment” video highlighting Mr. MacDonald, and brochures featuring a satirical critique of Professor MacDonald and Group Evolutionary Psychology. In addition, during the opening, others and myself will be asking attendees to fill out an anonymous interest survey containing questions that will ask attendees to confront their understanding of both prejudice and academic freedom. For the opening, there will be wall text where the surveys will later be displayed. Following the opening, the surveys, along with the video will be exhibited in the gallery and I will be recruiting at the booth (in the courtyard, outside) on select dates and times throughout the duration of the exhibition. After the exhibition, copies of the surveys will be sent to Professor MacDonald, the CSULB Psychology Department and President Alexander.
A report on MacDonald by the Southern Poverty Law Center can be found at:
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-repoissues/2007/spring/promoting- hate?page=0,0
Kevin B. MacDonald is currently a professor of psychology at Cal State University Long Beach. MacDonald is a known point of contention in the University and throughout the larger United States, due to his books on Judaism as “group evolutionary strategy”. MacDonald believes psychology and social evolution support his theory that “Whites” and “Asians” are the superior races, and that Jews have used a number of strategies to “out-compete” with non-Jews, including a larger enrollment in higher learning institutions (among MacDonaldʼs solutions are to admit less Jews to universities and tax Jews, so that their wealth does not collectively accumulate).
My work as an artist explores the tension between humans and their social, psychological, and physical environments. Professor MacDonald is clearly in tension with his academic environment at CSU Long Beach. The intent of this project is to ask the question; at what point does tolerance become tolerant of intolerance? It is also to illuminate the institutional manner in which contemporary racism and anti-semitism is operating.
For GLAMFA, 2011, I am proposing a project that both explores MacDonaldʼs presence on campus and encourages attendees to question their personal relationship to race and academic freedom. For the exhibition, I have created a fake organization known as the National Group Evolutionary Psychology Student Association. During the opening I will have a booth in the style of a “college recruiting booth” in the courtyard, comprised of a table with a “N.G.E.P.S.A” tablecloth (made by myself), a pop-up canopy, “recruitment” video highlighting Mr. MacDonald, and brochures featuring a satirical critique of Professor MacDonald and Group Evolutionary Psychology. In addition, during the opening, others and myself will be asking attendees to fill out an anonymous interest survey containing questions that will ask attendees to confront their understanding of both prejudice and academic freedom. For the opening, there will be wall text where the surveys will later be displayed. Following the opening, the surveys, along with the video will be exhibited in the gallery and I will be recruiting at the booth (in the courtyard, outside) on select dates and times throughout the duration of the exhibition. After the exhibition, copies of the surveys will be sent to Professor MacDonald, the CSULB Psychology Department and President Alexander.
A report on MacDonald by the Southern Poverty Law Center can be found at:
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-repoissues/2007/spring/promoting- hate?page=0,0
No Cause For Alarm (Solo Exhibition), 2011
Interactive Loft & Video, 3 hrs
Wood, quilt, drawings, video, dowel, curtain, house fire alarm, house windowSummerCamp Project Project El Serreno, CA
Landscapes are both personal and public, intimate and nationalistic. Referencing fire suppression and human colonization of the "GreatOutdoors" in California, Christy Roberts' "No Cause for Alarm" is anexperience which lends itself to an exploration of "inside" vs. "outside."
Wood, quilt, drawings, video, dowel, curtain, house fire alarm, house windowSummerCamp Project Project El Serreno, CA
Landscapes are both personal and public, intimate and nationalistic. Referencing fire suppression and human colonization of the "GreatOutdoors" in California, Christy Roberts' "No Cause for Alarm" is anexperience which lends itself to an exploration of "inside" vs. "outside."
The Poppy Project, 2010
The Poppy Project is a multi-faceted project of artist, Christy Roberts. The Poppy Project ultimately aims to re-contextualize the California Poppy, and subsequently, any protected species as a symbol and tool for land reclamation and ecological non-violent action. The bright orange of the California Poppy acts as a warning to developers, that the community has chosen to take this piece of land back.
Currently the Poppy Project is manifested through Bomb/Balm workshops by the artist, The California Poppy Militia, California Poppy Tattoos by the artist, as well as drawings, videos, photographs and objects that both document and are inspired by the project.
The California Poppy Militia:
The California Poppy Militia is a counter-military, ecological action group. Consisting of three equal units, the CPM contains no hierarchies, and seeks to make an organized effort towards the mass planting of California Poppies. The Foot Soldiers and Cavalry consist of those who choose to participate in the physical planting of the seeds, either by foot, bicycle, or vehicle. The Engineers are made up of individuals who wish to contribute to research and techniques. The Engineers seek more innovative ways for plantings to be successful. The Propagandists work to graphically proliferate the project through posters, internet presence, and branding. Those who wish to participate in the CPM may choose to make their own uniforms, zines, and chapters of the militia. All members self-regulate their individual level of participation and answer to themselves. All members, including the founder/artist hold egalitarian positions.
Currently the Poppy Project is manifested through Bomb/Balm workshops by the artist, The California Poppy Militia, California Poppy Tattoos by the artist, as well as drawings, videos, photographs and objects that both document and are inspired by the project.
The California Poppy Militia:
The California Poppy Militia is a counter-military, ecological action group. Consisting of three equal units, the CPM contains no hierarchies, and seeks to make an organized effort towards the mass planting of California Poppies. The Foot Soldiers and Cavalry consist of those who choose to participate in the physical planting of the seeds, either by foot, bicycle, or vehicle. The Engineers are made up of individuals who wish to contribute to research and techniques. The Engineers seek more innovative ways for plantings to be successful. The Propagandists work to graphically proliferate the project through posters, internet presence, and branding. Those who wish to participate in the CPM may choose to make their own uniforms, zines, and chapters of the militia. All members self-regulate their individual level of participation and answer to themselves. All members, including the founder/artist hold egalitarian positions.
Up Yours, 2011
Interactive Climbing Wall Adhered to the Gallery Wall
Wood, climbing grips, gallery wall paintClaremont Graduate University MFA Candidate Exhibition
Claremont, CA
Wood, climbing grips, gallery wall paintClaremont Graduate University MFA Candidate Exhibition
Claremont, CA
Climate Change, MFA on Ice & Deforested, Defrosted, 2011
Climate Change, MFA on Ice
Climate Change, MFA on Ice was my MFA Thesis Exhibition. The week-long exhibit took place in the East Gallery of Claremont Graduate University and involved a synthetic ice rink made of recycled plastic, a video projected climate, consisting of a "cool" video and a "warm" video of iconic Southern California landscapes. The videos were coupled with original music that remixed nature sounds into dance music. The visitors could check out skates at the concession stand, located in the lobby and proceed to skate in the gallery. For a complete statement about this piece, please email me at Christy@christyrobertsart.com.
Deforested, Defrosted
Deforested, Defrosted was a two and a half hour performance at Track 16's "Irrational Exhibits 8". I skated on ten 40"x20"x9" blocks of ice and fell several times. Please see "Digital Media" page for video.
Climate Change, MFA on Ice was my MFA Thesis Exhibition. The week-long exhibit took place in the East Gallery of Claremont Graduate University and involved a synthetic ice rink made of recycled plastic, a video projected climate, consisting of a "cool" video and a "warm" video of iconic Southern California landscapes. The videos were coupled with original music that remixed nature sounds into dance music. The visitors could check out skates at the concession stand, located in the lobby and proceed to skate in the gallery. For a complete statement about this piece, please email me at Christy@christyrobertsart.com.
Deforested, Defrosted
Deforested, Defrosted was a two and a half hour performance at Track 16's "Irrational Exhibits 8". I skated on ten 40"x20"x9" blocks of ice and fell several times. Please see "Digital Media" page for video.
Natural Artifice, 2010
Claremont Graduate University
Claremont, CA
How To Demonstrations, 2010
DC Gallery, Claremont Graduate University
Claremont, CA
