As if by Magic
 Press Release:
International group show in Bethlehem, Palestine
6 September 2006 

ArtSchool Palestine in Cooperation with Bethlehem Peace Centre are proud to announce the opening of As if by Magic exhibition curated by Charles Asprey and Kay Pallister, which is the first exhibition of its kind to take place in Palestine.

The exhibition will showcase works by 26 leading contemporary artists, where the Palestinian audience will have the unique opportunity to view, interact and engage with artwork from around the world.

In an unprecedented move, the curators have chosen not to transport any artwork nor any artists to the exhibition venue. The invited artists have been asked to produce new work (or adapt existing work) in order that it can be produced at the venue in Bethlehem by friends of the exhibition, including staff at the Peace Centre, those involved with Art School Palestine, local artists and the curators themselves. Artists have responded to this challenge by instructing works that encompass a wide range of forms, from stencil sprays to projections, wall paintings to T-shirts.

This serves two purposes: firstly it overcomes the inability Palestinians have to view international contemporary art, as most are unable to travel due to the Israeli occupation, therefore bringing the artworks directly to them, secondly; it serves as a celebration of the versatility of contemporary art in that it can be made/remade/produced/reproduced following the artist’s instruction anywhere in the world, so much has it evolved. Both features bypass the boundaries; physical, notional and political, to deliver a truly international exhibition.

Artists such as Damien Hirst, Martin Creed, Wolfgang Tillmans, Douglas Gordon (all Turner Prize winners) will show alongside major international artists such as Lawrence Weiner, Michael Craig Martin, Andreas Slominski, John Armleder and Isa Genzken and a further range of emerging artists such as Saadane Afif, Mauricio Guillen, Jim Lambie, Ceal Floyer, Lucy Skaer and Michael Fullerton amongst others.

As if by Magic aims to explore the possibilities of curating art exhibitions in new environments to engage with a new and highly educated audience and thereby establishing Palestine itself as a potentially vibrant new venue for contemporary cultural exchange.

For more information please contact:
London:
Charles Asprey c.asprey1@ntlworld.com (07711-669-582)
Kay Pallister kaypallister@hotmail.com (07841-115005)

Palestine:
Samar Martha samar@artschoolpalestine.com (0546447540)

Notes for Editors:
Charles Asprey is a former London gallerist, a collector and supporter of contemporary art and co-founder of ArtSchool Palestine.
Kay Pallister is director of Artist Pension Trust: London, she co-curated Zenomap: Scotland’s presentation at the Venice Biennale 2003, and was former exhibition director at Gagosian Gallery, London and New York.
ArtSchool Palestine is a structure and place for the exchange and development of contemporary Palestinian and Middle Eastern art. Foremost, ArtSchool Palestine is a forum connecting artists to each other in order to stimulate critical debate, develop networks, showcase work to an international audience and disseminate opportunities. It is a platform that projects contemporary art activity happening in Palestine, the Middle East and its Diaspora to an international audience.

Our programs consist of residencies, workshops, exchanges, exhibitions and educational activities.