These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves: Michelle Handelman
April 24, 2021 – August 15, 2021
About
Michelle Handelman: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves includes the artist’s new video trilogy, The Pandemic Series (2020-2021). This series is comprised of These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves (The Lockdown); Solitude is an Artifact of the Struggle Against Oppression (The Uprising); and Claiming The Liminal Space (The Aftermath), which was recently completed and is debuting on MMoCA’s website.
Two of the artist’s earlier film installations, Irma Vep, The Last Breath (2013/2015), and Candyland (1999), will be on view inside the Museum. A multimedia and performance artist, Michelle Handelman (b. 1960) creates film installations that draw on her life experiences and those of her performers to confront life and death, pain and pleasure.
Michelle Handelman: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves was organized by students in Design Thinking for Exhibits, a University of Wisconsin-Madison Art History Department seminar led by Associate Professor Anna Campbell. Students in the class worked with MMoCA staff to develop the exhibition.
Gallery
Exhibition Catalogue
Learn more about the exhibition through the digital catalogue, and the exhibition brochure developed by UW Madison students in the Design Thinking for Exhibits seminar.
Artwork
MICHELLE HANDELMAN: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves, 2020, from The Pandemic Series.
Single-channel high definition video with sound, 6:07 minutes. Courtesy of the artist and signs and symbols, NYC.
MICHELLE HANDELMAN: Solitude is an Artifact of the Struggle Against Oppression, 2020, from The Pandemic Series.
Single-channel high definition video with sound, 4:00 minutes. Courtesy of the artist and signs and symbols, NYC.
MICHELLE HANDELMAN: Claiming the Liminal Space, 2021, from The Pandemic Series.
Single-channel high definition video with sound, 4:29 minutes. Courtesy of the artist and signs and symbols, NYC.
Exhibition Notes
Contemporary art often reflects on current events, challenging concepts, and deeply personal subject matter. Please be advised this exhibition may contain adult content.
Press
Press Release
Michelle Handelman: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves Press Release
Press Coverage
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art opens new Michelle Handelman video exhibition
– Channel 3000
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art opens new Michelle Handelman video exhibition
– Fox47
Student Curated Exhibition: “Michelle Handelman: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves”
– University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Art History
Support
Michelle Handelman: These Unruly and Ungovernable Selves was organized by students in Design Thinking for Exhibits, a University of Wisconsin-Madison Art History Department seminar led by Associate Professor Anna Campbell. Students in the class worked with MMoCA staff to develop the exhibition.