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For immediate release Public Art Fund presents? In Chelsea People Wonder: "Where's
the Party?" Artist Tony Matelli Creates Distant Party, A Sound Installation New York, August 1999 - Opening on September 11th, Tony Matelli will create a sound installation entitled Distant Party. Seemingly emanating from an indeterminate indoor space high above 88 10th Avenue (at 15th Street) and other locations throughout New York City, the clinking of glasses, party chatter and a mix of music bring evidence of a soiree-in-progress to street-level. These party sounds, heard at a low-level as though muffled by the distance between the partygoers and pedestrians, will leave the passing public to wonder, "Where's the party?". With this new project, Matelli explores a societal need for community, and delves into the psychology of seeking out a social experience in which we are not involved. He says, "We all want to feel as though we are part of something. It is powerful to be of like mind with a group." Mining this material, Matelli's Distant Party compels those passing through to wonder where the sounds are coming from, perhaps tempting them to seek out the Distant Party. Matelli continues, "A distant party offers the possibility to become part of that group, for a moment to join in the hope, enthusiasm and power of a community in motion." Known for his hyper-real allegorical sculpture, Matelli's work frequently taps into the uncomfortable and unspoken moral aftermath of the situations his characters act out. The consequences of the scenes he creates are the crux of the work, bringing the complexity of contemporary culture to bear, and calling into question societal mores so often taken for granted. With Distant Party, Matelli goes beyond the visual and provides an aural cue for response. Matelli's party sounds make us instinctively wonder where this party might be, who might be there, and what kind of a celebration is going on. Totally intangible but for the low-level party sounds, Distant Party encourages reflection, perhaps tinged with loneliness, and ultimately a recognition of the very human need to be part of a larger group. Commissioned through the Public Art Fund's In the Public Realm program for young artists, Matelli's Distant Party will be heard on the street at 88 10th Avenue at 15th Street beginning September 11th as part of the Downtown Arts Festival. Special Thanks to Chelsea Market Tony Matelli is also currently exhibiting his Stray Dog
as part of the Public Art Fund's ongoing exhibition program at MetroTech
Center in Downtown Brooklyn. About Public Art Fund The Public Art Fund is a non-profit arts organization supported by generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and with public funds from The New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs. # # # Contact:
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