David Gordon Retrospective Installation Opens at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Since committing to donate his archives to The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, writer, director, and choreographer David Gordon has been actively participating in and reflecting on the process of compiling one's own archive, a project he has named Archiveography. As part of this investigation, Gordon unveils a new installation in The Library for the Performing Arts' Vincent Astor Gallery entitled DAVID GORDON: ARCHIVEOGRAPHY - Under Construction. The free installation, a collaboration between the Library and the Pick Up Performance Co(s), will remain on display through April 6, 2017. 

Under Construction is a non-linear, non-chronological installation that embodies Gordon's work. The installation features four collage-covered wall created by Gordon specifically for the installation that showcases images from his history and personal life, as well as video projections from his performances, which are now part of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division's Moving Image Archive. 

Gordon also encourages visitors to engage directly with the installation in various ways: by touching the costumes on display; removing items from the file cabinets; or by using computers within the gallery to watch more of his performance videos, or visit his website to view an interactive timeline and complete versions of writings, programs, texts and photographs for Archiveography.

As an installation, DAVID GORDON: ARCHIVEOGRAPHY - Under Construction builds on Live Archiveography Project, Gordon's performative explorations of the archiving process developed at The Library for the Performing Arts in Lincoln Center in early 2016. In conjunction with the installation, Gordon will present a preview performance on March 30, 2017 at The Library for the Performing Arts in advance of the New York Premiere Live Archiveography that will be presented by Lumberyard (formerly known as American Dance Institute) and will take place June 1-3, 2017 at The Kitchen. More information about the June performances can be found at www.thelumberyard.org.

About The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world’s most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts — whether professional or amateur — the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. The Library is part of The New York Public Library system, which has 90 locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, and is a lead provider of free education for all.

About Pick Up Performance Co(s)

Founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1978 (as Pick Up Performance Co., Inc.) to facilitate projects by David Gordon, the company was expanded in 1992 to include projects by Ain Gordon and renamed Pick Up Performance Co(s) in recognition of our dual father/son leadership with independent projects by each artist. PUPCos continues to be artist-led with multi-generational NYC roots supporting the wide-roaming interests of both artists in dance, theater, media, social practice, and the fusing of disciplines. This work manifests annually in both our hometown and nationally. For 45 years PUPCos has charted a personal aesthetic path.