6 NOVEMBER 2009 – 15 JANUARY 2010

Marginal Utility is very, very pleased to present an exhibition of a new project by New York-based artist Ronnie Bass.

The exhibition, entitled The Astronomer, Part 1: Departure From Shed, is the first installment of the three-part series. Departure From Shed consists of a video and sculpture centered around an open-ended narrative in which an astronomer, played by Bass, recognizes an opportune time for he and his friends to flee an oppressive situation and begin a new life. Working out of a shed, the astronomer motivates his friends to labor diligently and retain their faith as they prepare for the journey.

In a haze of notes and tones from an electric synthesizer and an incantatory voice-over that gently issues commands, Bass’s videos provide images of individuals striving for a better life and stepping towards the unknown. They make use of the useless, harvesting from junk to create new items for their purpose. In Departure From Shed, their purpose is a calling indicated by a cosmological sign.

Guided by the promises of a singular vision, it appears that Bass's thought is in line with the wish images found in the writings of the French social utopian philosopher Charles Fourier. Fourier writes of a Messianic moment when the entire world will embrace under a single doctrine thus creating a new Golden Age. The writer envisioned a world where labor becomes play and the oceans become lemonade.

In a balance between truth, ideal and fiction, Bass embraces the predominant narrative within hip-hop and gospel, in which the underprivileged and socially shunned gain empowerment through unity and the creation of their own new world; a world either real or intangible.

During the eight-weeks of the exhibition, Bass will construct a water fountain on the premises of Marginal Utility. The fountain will be assembled from items found in discount stores and garage sales in Philadelphia. Bass, as the astronomer, will hold a celebratory musical performance upon the completion of the fountain.

Opening Reception: Friday, November 6, 6-8pm
Performance: Friday, December 4, 7pm + 9pm