Introduction to a Distant World by Alfredo Jaar ©

Alfredo Jaar, along with other established and emerging artists, are part of The Crude and the Rare at The Cooper Union, a group exhibition commentating on the customary extraction and transformation of natural resources, with the resulting symbolism attached to it. Materials such as diamonds and gold, for example, when first cut from the source are raw and unrefined, evoking a kind of curiosity. They are still seen as part of the earth, until they are shaped into fashionable pieces and become further separated from their origin. While some resources are strictly signs of status, others are manufactured for food and household usage. What is often not seen is the intricate process from mine to mass production-that of finding, transporting, and crafting such desired commodities.

In tandem with the exhibition will be a panel discussion on October 28th featuring Mark Dion, J. Henry Fair, Sara Jordenö, Sophie Ristelhueber, and moderated by Jeffrey Kastner. Click here for more information on the event.

The Crude and the Rare
On view: Tuesday, October 19 – Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Cooper Union
41 Cooper Square, Lower Level 1
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-4200

In Aperture magazine, Issue 181, Abigail Solomon-Godeau discusses Jaar’s use of photographs-both seen and unseen.