Automatic For The People: John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres
Curated by Jayson Keeling

On view October 28, 2010 through January 8, 2011
Reception: Thursday, November 18, 6:00-9:00pm

John Ahearn, the acclaimed sculptor, and long-time collaborator Rigoberto Torres will present iconic sculptures that use plaster or fiberglass to create life-casts of figures. Originally trained as a painter, Ahearn began making casts of his friends and neighbors at the suggestion of his apprentice and later collaborator Rigoberto Torres. His first casts, taken of the people in his South Bronx neighborhood, were exhibited in 1980. He created his sculptures from predominantly working-class subjects near his home. His work is a social commentary on the American scene, portraying individuals in ordinary settings complete with specific attributes of the sitter, from clothing to hairstyles. Aljira is pleased to welcome Emerge alumni Jayson Keeling as the guest curator who has selected never before seen video to be included in the exhibition.