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Dennis Oppenheim: Accelerator for Evil Throghts
Dennis Oppenheim Accelerator for Evil Throghts Author:Alain G. Joyaux Dennis Oppenheim: Accelerator for Evil Thoughts by Alain G. Joyaux. 24 pages. Paperback. Copyright 1985, Ball State University Art Gallery. ISBN 0-915511-02-9 (book), 0937340010 (oppenheim jack). "Though clearly derived from and closely related to the Machine Works, the incorporation of obviously volatile components makes them immediately more t... more »hreatening, more capable of removing the artist from the ultimate are of creation. Loaded by the artist, they stand ready to create though explosion. Accelerator for Evil Thoughts is the last work conceived with the Firesworks series. It was executed in 1983 for an exhibition at Serra Felice Gallery in New York City. Upon viewing the New York installation, Oppenheim made notes for a number of desirable changes and additional work to be performed before future exhibitions. In the fall of 1984, Accelerator for Evil Thoughts was completed under the artist's supervision with the assistance of faculty and students from Ball State University, members of the Buckham Fine Arts Projects, students from Mott Community College, and a dedicated group of community volunteers. Oppenheim's work retains an elusive quality that resists verbalization. The particular value of this publication lies in the artist's statement. The text, an interview with Dennis Oppenheim conducted by Thomas Nuzum, Frank Foster, and me, records the artist's thoughts directly. Questions were not formulated in advance. The discussion was allowed to develop as issues were raised and the artist responded. The interview examines the meaning and implication of the Machine Works and Fireworks pieces and provides an opportunity for understanding and appreciating Oppenheim's unique contribution to contemporart art. This exhibition and accompanying publication were made possible through the dedicated cooperation of many people...The rebuilding of Accelerator for Evil Thoughts was the result of the interest and diligence of a large number of people." (from introduction)« less