Brad Downey – Fence Hacks

Fence Hack is a series of works for which Brad Downey removed four boards from picket fences to form a square opening, appropriating the material to frame an image documentation of this act.

If he encounters a fence, a wall, a barrier of any kind, his impulse
seems to be to poke a hole in it. Then he can hang some art in the hole.
But his ideas about what constitutes art are completely free,
unfettered, and uncontrolled.

-Jimmie Durham

Borders have always been a way for humans to protect their property and create barriers against the unwanted. A method of marking ownership over the forces of nature, animals, and people. Yet, the borders are mastered in inventive and bold ways, to overcome forced restrictions and make one’s freedom.

Creating a series of photos titled Fence hacks, Brad Downey travels around the world and documents all kinds of fences. In Kyrgyzstan. In Russia. In Switzerland. And the US. Downey cuts square holes in the fences and then photo-documenting his actions. Using the sticks from the fences as frames. Leaving behind an escape route, away from private and national restrictions. A passage to freedom. Free for everyone.

Text: Mia Zeeck

Ausstellungsansichten (Photos by Adam Naparty)