Critical Writing Index

Tribal T.V.: New Video and Democracy on the Praries after Modernism

by A. Rushton

Arts Manitoba, Summer 1983, v. 2, no. 3, pp. 39-44

This article begins by analyzing the meaning of abstract expressionism and than moves toward video art. It relates video art to modernism by citing such examples of Canadian Video Art.

The article looks at the correlation between Modernism and Democracy, and the concept of "open" work at play, through the works of 5 Winnipeg-based video artists.

"The entertainment or free choice factor should not be overlooked as one of the most, if not the most, important factor in modernism. The discussion of the underlying assumptions of modern art now sets the stage for an understanding of the problems facing contemporary art, including work can mean fewer specific things but unlike Modernism it cannot mean nothing at all".

ITEM 1983.022 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

Newsplay – Samir Chahda

Mephisto – Gerry Kasil

Dating and Mate Selection – Gerry Kasil

Live Wire – Al Poruchnyk

Making the Rounds – Jeff Funnel & John Will

Exploitation Gallery – Jeff Funnel & John Will

Obsessively Imminent – Vern Hume

Jackson Pollock

Paul Jenkins

Joseph Albers

Feed General Concept – Samir Chahda

Future Tense – Vern Hume

Live Wire – Al Poruchnyk

Ballistics – Gerry Kasil

Lust for Trauma – Vern Hume

Remembering a Rational Solution – Vern Hume

Exploitation Gallery – Jeff Funnel/John Will

Making the Rounds – Jenn Funnel/John Will