Untitled [ArtSpace] present an exhibition of new installation work titled Fear and Apathy by artist Joe Daun June 24 through August 13, 2005. Joe Daun spent most of his formative years as an artist in San Antonio where he received his MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Included in an extensive list of achievements and awards is a two month residency at  San Antonio ArtPace’s International Artist–In–Residence program. 

Daun is most recognized for his sculptural constructions that aim to connect the viewer to the subject matter. Featured in the exhibition were Joe Daun’s “Diner Piece,” a 40-foot-long diner counter with bookshelves. Included in the piece was a set of booths in which the viewer was invited to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee. The coffee cup is then placed on a conveyer belt behind the counter and carried to its destruction.  “This piece is about the exchange of ideas, the dining ritual, and communication. We as a society have lost the rituals that enrich our lives. This work is an attempt to remind viewers of the enjoyment of sitting down and conversing versus sitting in front of the television, drinking soda, and not talking.”

Daun’s installation work does not tie itself to any specific media but, as Joe states, “to the process that is appropriate to the ideas to which he wishes to create dialogue.” Conflict, confusion, communication, preservation, and even humor are all underpinnings of Daun’s body of work.  All of these ideas are encompassed in Daun’s desire to explore the root of his beliefs and how he evolved into the person he is today.

Joe Daun has exhibited his work in countless one person and group shows nationally in locations including Kentucky, Texas, and Florida.  Untitled [ArtSpace] was proud to serve as the location for Daun’s Oklahoma debut.

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Fear and Apathy:

I pause sometimes and wonder how I became who I am. The answer is not obvious but is probably related to whom I choose to share my life with. I was born on September 11, 1967. Until recently this date was universally celebrated as my birthday, but now the date generally evokes negative images and thoughts. It’s kind of strange.

All of my work is autobiographical. There are always numerous art references. The Diner Piece is related to my realization, in graduate school, that I learned most of what I know from my friends. The process of reading and discussing what I have read with friends, is central to how people develop ideas. The cups represent not only the process of communing, but they also represent ideas themselves that can either be kept whole or broken into their respective parts.

I believe that most decisions are either made out of fear, ambition, love, or apathy. That isn’t a pretty title, though. I don’t like what is happening in our country. The growth of the consumer economy with all of its unrealistic expectations has stratified our country and led to a lack of understanding of the other: people who aren’t like us. The Cage represents the world that we create for ourselves. I, along with many of my peers, are quick to complain about working too much or not having time to do things but it’s hard to admit that most of my problems are related to our own decisions. It is my own private decision to run on the Wheel, sleep on the Bed or eat at the Table.

The Automated Painting Machine is a little bit more light hearted and is related to the frustrations of making art. I am actually excited to see if it can actually paint an interesting painting. The process is arbitrary and violent but what will the outcome be? Will the paintings be formulaic or can something original actually emerge from such a structured environment?

The Pool Series is my latest exploration into photography. I am interested in taking straight photographs that appear as if they have been heavily manipulated. These images are of my wife swimming in our pool. They are digital images that are printed on canvas. It is my hope that they can stand up to paintings.

Joe Daun, 2005

Watch a video of Diner Piece

Artist's Website

Back to 2005 past exhibits

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