Paula Crown - I am FOR
For Freedoms will host a special exhibition of new work by artist and entrepreneur Paula Crown. Entitled I am FOR, the exhibition explores themes of environmental activism, racial taxonomy, and political factionalism. On display will include works such as Crown's ENtitleist, an enlarged, 3D-milled, alabaster golf ball, made imperfect through natural aberrations in 3D scanning and by the material's irregular and fragile disposition. The foreboding sculpture recalls the act of blackballing, or casting a stone—originating from the ancient Greek practice of voting with black and white seashells.
"As an artist, I am deeply invested in art as an agent of change. For Freedoms has created one of the most dynamic, decentralized networks of artists and advocates this country has seen. I'm deeply honored
to be joining artists across the country working on this grassroots initiative," says Paula Crown.
For Freedoms started in 2016 as a platform for civic engagement, discourse, and direct action for artists in the United States. Inspired by Norman Rockwell's 1943 paintings of the four universal freedoms articulated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1941—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear—For Freedoms seeks to use art to deepen public discussions of civic issues and core values, and to clarify that citizenship in American society is deepened by participation, not by ideology. For Freedoms is part of a rich history of artists employing means of mass communication to provoke political discourse. For Freedoms believes art, and artists, play an important role in galvanizing our society towards a more representative and transparent government. For Freedoms was awarded the 2017 ICP infinity Award for New Media and Online Platform.
Paula Crown is an artist, advocate, and entrepreneur. She has spearheaded progressive initiatives in education, children's health, environmentally sustainable business practices, and the arts. A cross-disciplinary artist, Crown's work engages pencil to 3D printers. Since 2015, she has had solo exhibitions in New York, London, Miami, Aspen, and Dallas. Currently, her exhibition Architecture of Memory can be seen at the Venice Biennale. She is a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, where she chairs the Education Committee, and serves on the Aspen Institute Committee on the Arts. A former member of President Obama's Presidential Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Crown is a principal at Henry Crown and Company in Chicago.