Image Exposure

Just what in the world is a flarb, anyway? Elizabeth Hall isn't too sure either. "I just made it up," says the founder and curator of a new experimental art show titled "Flarb2."

Beginning her career as a painter and photographer, Hall quickly developed an interest in video and installation art. She had a vision to showcase multiple-media works, giving exposure to artists who would traditionally "fall through the curatorial cracks." The point: to raise awareness about experimental art while allowing interaction between artist and art lover. In January 2002 at the Wolfsonian-FIU, she brought the idea to fruition with "The Experimental Show," which she describes as a venue to promote "challenging works which demonstrate a commitment to the language of moving image and create new directions for moving-image art." Back then the focus was mainly video and moving image. Other experimental art forms soon joined the mix.

Hence the multimedia event "Flarb," born in May of this year, and now the expanded "Flarb2," encompassing film, video, sound, installation, performance, and computer art. Nearly two dozen cutting-edge artists from Florida, New York, and Boston will be featured in the two-day exhibition, held at the Aqua Hotel due in part to Hall's desire to use a nonintimidating venue that "falls outside of the traditional museum/art gallery circuit."

Among the participants are two Orlando artists who dub themselves the DropBox Performance Group. They'll present a live multimedia extravaganza using computer images and video projection while simultaneously intermingling mathematical algorithms to remix a 1965 Jean-Luc Godard movie. Miami-based artist Judy Robertson will combine recyclable materials such as plastic bags, fabric, shredded documents, and personal photographs as well as garments and designer sheets to create a play on consumerism.

In addition to having an exciting alternative art experience, attendees might bring home a funky piece for their humble abode. The Aqua will be transformed into a giant hotel gift shop as many of the "Flarb2" works will be on sale at modest prices.