REACTIONS

As a cultural institution near Ground Zero, Exit Art felt an urgency to present a collective expression of how the events of September 11 have changed the behavior of people worldwide. We sensed that people had a need to communicate their feelings and to also see how others are reacting to these events. The idea of REACTIONS was born as a platform from which to present the public response.

A global public was asked to submit a response to how these terrorist attacks on the United States may have affected their lives. More than 20,000 calls for entries were sent electronically and via mail.

The purpose of the call was to ask people to share how the events of September 11 have altered their behavior -- towards others, their city, their daily life -- and now, in the aftermath, how these events have changed their perception of reality and the world around them. The only requirement was that the response must be submitted on an 8 -1/2 x 11" sheet of paper. This format was chosen because we felt it was the most flexible and democratic means for the public to communicate and focus their ideas and responses. The invitation reached people from all over the world both inside and outside the art community. Responses were received from over twenty-five countries, among them Singapore, Iceland, India, Germany, Brazil, Venezuela, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, Pakistan, Ireland, China, Camaroon and Canada, to name just a few. The reactions were as varied as the countries: nostalgia for lost icons, fears for safety, anger at America, and skepticism about war, oil, and economics. The reactions have taken many forms, including poetry, musical scores, prose, collage, drawing, painting, and photography.

As a collective response to the horrific attacks, this exhibition symbolizes a public ritual of mourning, healing, remembrance, for an era and sense of security now irrevocably changed. Part graphic document, part philosophy, part political observation, REACTIONS literally made itself as members of all walks of life, all ages and social classes contributed. The exhibition is a crowd's reaction that transports its individual and intimate meditations on the tragedy, from the humorous to the sublime. Perhaps what this exhibition has determined is that each of these expressions has a social and historically relevant value.

PART II.
As part of the REACTIONS exhibition, Exit Art in conjunction with DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics is presenting original artwork for two benefit volumes entitled 9-11. Over 200 artists and writers have crafted their own artistic reactions to the terrorist attacks on the United States, creating stories and images that the art form of comics is uniquely able to capture. Approximately 200 drawings and paintings of works included in the two books are included in the exhibition. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the books will be donated to organizations benefiting the victims of the September 11 tragedy. The two-volume book will be on sale at Exit Art for the duration of the exhibition.

9-11 was coordinated by DC Comics (and its imprints Vertigo and WildStorm as well as MAD Magazine), Chaos Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Image Comics with assistance from Oni Press and Top Shelf Productions.

PART III.
As part of the REACTIONS exhibition, Exit Art is pleased to also include original artwork created for the 32nd issue of World War Three Illustrated, a political comic book produced in Lower Manhattan. Started in 1979 as a reaction to the Iran Hostage Crisis, World War Three Illustrated artists have continued to produce graphics addressing the human rights movement around the world. The material for the 32nd issue was a response by the publication's artists, writers and cartoonists as New Yorkers to the events of September 11. This issue sold-out within a week of its release and is currently in its second printing.