As the need for alternative art spaces continues to grow, especially in the Northeast where there are substantial numbers of artists that can fill spaces and make interesting work all year, the traditionally non-traditional houses are getting the attention they deserve. The word of mouth for Painted Bride in Philadelphia has always been very good, and for some unexplained reason, they’ve been able to keep themselves relatively under the wire. For a space that has been able to make it possible for artists to realize visions in a critical arena but outside of the mainstream, it’s rather remarkable.
Other spaces have tried the same thing, and have fallen to the usual traps. Too much attention, and it becomes an institution, and starts perpetuating the power structures it set out to avoid in the first place. Too much anonymity, and there’s no one to come and see the work that’s trying to get at least some new eyes on it.
With the Painted Bride, they’ve been able to continue their magnificent work since they opened in 1969. One of their greatest benchmarks is that they do indeed have a new roster of artists presenting all the time. There are some who have been here for multiple performances, and multiple showings, but the usual trap of a space like this turning into an ego boost for a select few has been averted.
It’s a very good thing, too, because this means that for those visiting the city and staying in luxury hotels, Philadelphia can offer plenty of institutionalized and alternative art. Painted Bride is a great place to begin, and also spend the middle, because for visual and performance art, this is some of the coolest stuff around today. Their Second Saturday events are also a good idea, because it’s an afternoon instead of an evening, there’s a wild mix of things, and there’s also free coffee.