Dilettantism: Virtual Group Exhibit
The Aerogramme Center for Arts and Culture | Online
May 1 - June 5, 2020
Dilettantism is defined as being a dabbler or more accurately taking delight in the arts. The term dates back to 1734, founded by a group of British noblemen and scholars known as “The Society of Dilettanti” that began an elite dining society and collectors of art.
Around the 1740’s, members of the group began pooling their money together to fund selected painters and later financing the Royal Academy for the Arts. In the early 19th century, the Society began funding expeditions and excavations to the Mediterranean and largely investing in antiques. A still existing Gentleman’s club, the Society of Dilettanti continues to make regular donations to schools and art based institutions.
Although we are not dabblers we do sometimes work outside of the mainstream. Operating on a platform of shared experiences that one takes delight in to create personal narratives and self representation to build communities. In some cases those communities developed into organizations that work to spread information on topics ranging from the Prison Industrial Complex to outdated beauty culture.
As the premier exhibit of The Aerogramme Center for Arts and Culture we are excited to be debuting a diverse group of artists who have supported our launch during the Covid-19 pandemic. As an online arts collective, we believe in supporting artists during pandemic closures to create multi-digital opportunities ranging from exhibitions to artists talks. We are pleased to present, Dilettanism, a virtual collection of works performed through autobiographical accounts that range from transgressive issues, diversity to the control of mass media. When combined, these works change the way people see themselves situated in a wider social context.
Artists -
Gabriel Soto, Xena Brar, Jackie Chu, Philip Spangler, Katherinne Escandon-Salazar, Teri Anderson, Mytro Giotakou, Marko Vesic and Aleksandar Lazar
Curator -
Zoë Elena Moldenhauer
