Sunday, May 25, 2008
Quick

Feeling OK with Jason Kofke

A Quick Q&A

With his new lo-fi solo exhibition, “Everything Will Be OK,” artist Jason Kofke attempts to connect with a generation soaked in modern technology via old-school means. A newcomer to the visual arts scene, Kofke shares his vision in a somewhat unconventional, if not completely analog manner, utilizing traditional and extinct mediums to address the passing of time and its effects on all of us.—Larissa Erin Greer

Q What inspired the title of your show?
 
A “Everything Will Be OK” has been the title of everything I’ve made for the past three years. So the title of the show couldn’t be anything else. In hindsight, the phrase stems from a couple of different sources, but was always a question in my mind even as a child.
I found this phrase, it became my work and now it has taken on a life of its own.

As a young artist, what sorts of things run through your mind when planning a solo exhibition?
First, I wonder if I really want to be an artist. Next, I wonder at what point in my career assistants, galleries, press agents and other people become involved. Finally, I remember a few times in my past where a work of art really meant something to me—and that honesty is what I aim to create for others.

Which mediums do you enjoy working with?
Moribund technologies. For some inexplicable reason, I’m seduced by recently antiquated technologies and try to become an expert at media that is outdated, inefficient, and, ultimately, useless.

Which piece from the show is your favorite, and why?
My Mead composition book. I wrote “Everything Will Be OK” on every line of every page for the entire 200 pages. I have been writing in it on crowded subways, airplanes, and movie theatres for about two years now and we have been through a lot.
 
“Everything Will Be OK” is on display at Art House Co-op, 227 Mitchell St. through June 4. SP