Those with long memories can recall Printed Matter’s October 2011 exhibition “A Show about Colab (and Related Activities).” The exhibition revealed how the loosely organized artists group Collaborative Projects, Inc. (or “COLAB”) changed the art world’s priorities through a series of exhibitions, new alternative spaces, and other do-it-yourself projects between 1978 and 1985. It took four years, but the catalogue, A Book About Colab (and Related Activities), is now available for purchase at Printed Matter.
Over the years, Gallery 98 has been a principal promoter of COLAB. Our online exhibition“Collecting COLAB” featured art and ephemera connected to COLAB’s most memorable moments—the Times Square Show (1980), the Real Estate Show (1980), and the A. More Stores (1980-84)—and to its affiliated exhibition spaces Fashion Moda and ABC No Rio. Other Gallery 98 exhibitions have showcased COLAB artists Cara Perlman, Christy Rupp, Stefan Eins, and Tom Otterness. Our inventory also includes Becky Howland, Alan W. Moore, Peter Fend, Kiki Smith, Jenny Holzer, Walter Robinson, and others.
It has been amazing to watch art history being gradually transformed as more scholars and collectors learn about COLAB and its influence. A Book About Colab marks another step in this process. See images from the new book on Tumblr here.
