Timothy Gaewsky

INTRINSIC at the B.K. Smith Gallery at Lake Erie College

1. situated within; interior, inner
2. a site-specific exploration of negligence, deterioration, and destruction
3. a plea for activity and interest in a disregarded gallery space

Orchestrated by dj hellerman with Gabe Bly, Judith Brandon, Jean Brandt, Jason Byers, Kellie Evans, J Scott Franklin, Timothy Gaewsky, Laurel Herbold, Mike Jones, Doug Meyer, M. Erik Mueller, Michelle CD Mueller, Tisha Nemeth, Abe Olvido/GROOP, Nathaniel Parsons, Scott Pickering, Bill Radawec, Elizabeth Salem, Laura Vinnedge, Casey Vogt, Daiv Whaley

A leaking ceiling and an unwillingness to fix the problem has resulted in the deterioration of the B. K. Smith Gallery and ultimately the destruction of artwork. Gallery Assistant dj Hellerman invited artists to transform the space, embracing and eschewing the gallery's current imperfections and state of deterioration. For my piece I decided to consider the positive, more fun qualities of water, which often result in someone or something getting soaked. The resulting participatory piece, titled SOAKED!, was a water balloon fight within the gallery space involving other artists that contributed to the show and anyone else that wasn't afraid to get wet.

The images below are documentation of the event. Some images might be out of focus due to so much action.

I filled four red buckets with 130 water balloons and placed them around the gallery space. During the opening a free-for-all water balloon fight broke out. Aside from the participants, every area of the space including artwork was a potential target. I, myself was pelted in the left eye which caused minor bruising and was also hit in the groin area.

After the standoff, 50 more balloons were filled and the fight resumed. The resulting damage, aside from my minor black eye and sore groin, were areas of water soaked carpet, walls and ceiling as well as some damp artwork and clothing.

SOAKED! demonstrated the paradoxical nature of water. On one hand water can provide an outlet for creative playfulness and fun; on the other hand it has the potential to cause destruction and damage. The damage caused by SOAKED! however, is only temporary. Hopefully the leaking roof and resulting permanent damage will be repaired as soon as possible for continuation of exhibitions at the B.K. Smith Gallery.

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