Brian Finke. (clockwise from top left) Cheerleader #20, 2001. Chromogenic print 15 x 15 inches. Cheerleader #115, 2002. Chromogenic print 30 x 30 inches. Cheerleader #13, 2002. Chromogenic print 15 x 15 inches.
Bring It On! is a multi-media group exhibition exploring the all-American phenomenon of cheerleading
Bring It On! is a multi-media group exhibition exploring the all-American phenomenon of cheerleading – a tradition which has become somewhat of a pop culture obsession, featured in films like Bring it On and the reality TV show Cheer Nation. “Either you were a cheerleader or wanted to be one” is an often cited phrase summing up this conflicted team sport. “Cheerleader” equals popular, perky, and pretty, however it also equals type-A overachiever and cut-throat competitor.
From sporty to campy to sexy to downright pathetic, the artwork in Bring it On! investigates the boundaries of and associations with cheerleading. Brock Enright explores the sinister side of the cheerleader and the jock saga in his video and installation, while Brian Finke exposes the “hyper-real” moments of competitive cheerleaders through photography. Luis Gispert uses humor in his photos and videos of “hip-hop” cheerleaders to touch on more socio-political issues, while Cassandra C. Jones objectifies the cheerleader as a seemingly decorative yet pornographic figure via wallpaper. The collaborative group New Catalogue rounds out the show with a series of photos cheering themselves on with a squad of slacker cheerleaders. The opening night will feature performanes by the Chicago Spirit Brigade unified by their love of cheerleading and desire to promote H.I.V. and Aids awareness.
