Nine of Saint Louis’ most recognized artists—known as The Screwed Arts Collective—will work together over a two week period (September 13-27, 2012) to spontaneously produce a one-of-a-kind, site-specific wall drawing inspired by chess.
On View: September 13, 2012 – February 10, 2013
Since opening in September 2011, the World Chess Hall of Fame has been honored to host the work of nationally- and internationally-renowned artists, and we are proud of the global recognition we have received for these innovative exhibitions. For Screwed Moves, however, we have turned our attention locally, showcasing area artists and highlighting Saint Louis’ reputation as a center of chess activity. The members of The Screwed Arts Collective have transformed our first-floor gallery into a working studio and community space exploring the seemingly disparate worlds of art and chess, and how they have uniquely impacted the city’s cultural life by offering new rules to break in art, music and the spoken word.
The Screwed Arts Collective is made up of artists who are based in or have a connection to Saint Louis. They create collaboratively as well as have their individual studio art practices. In the collaborative process of creating wall drawings, the public is invited to observe and interact in that creative process.
The Screwed Arts Collective
Christopher Burch
Daniel Burnett
Stan Chisholm
Christopher Harris
Daniel Jefferson
Kris Mosby
Jason Spencer
Justin Tolentino
Bryan Walsh
As with the game of chess, these artists begin with a set of rules and self-limited parameters for each collective work. Yet, within this structure there are unlimited ways of organizing the elements of imagination and possibility within that environment. This time, in Screwed Moves, they are bound by the concepts of a “chain of operations.” The artists are seeking to make the psychology of the chess player visible through their mark-making on the walls. Bound by rules and aggressively creating within those rules, they are mimicking the structure of the game within the chaos of the stimulated mind. They are embracing opposites; finding patterns; making moves.
—Roseann Weiss, Curator
Financial assistance has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
Press
Screwed Moves Exhibition Press Release
1/2013: ARTnews — Board Games—Screwed Moves
10/18/12: Riverfront Times — In the Galleries – Screwed Moves at World Chess Hall of Fame
10/6/12: Civil Ape — Screwed Moves – “Any Body Can Get It”
10/5/12: USCF — Checkmate, Maybe
9/13/12: St. Louis Sprout & About — ‘Screwed Moves’ opens tonight at World Chess Hall of Fame
9/13/12: STL Beacon — Roulette Chess and mural come to Hall of Fame
