Stephen Vitiello (USA) introduces youngbies
Electronic Arts Intermix, founded by Howard Wise in 1971, was one of the first organisations to treat video as a means of personal expression and communication. Wise organised the first exhibition entitled ‘video art’- ‘TV as a Creative Medium’ in 1969 and gave active encouragement to such artists as Nam June Paik, Frank Gilette and Ira Schneider. Shortly afterwards he set up EAI, a non-profit organisation which functioned as a spring board for young, unknown artists. EAI has been regarded ever since as the oldest distributor of independent videos. Over the past ten years it has taken on other work such as restoring and archiving historical tapes.
The EAI archives contain such names as Marina Abramovic & Ulay, Skip Blumenberg, Robert Cahen, Gary Hill, Alexander Kluge, Rita Myers, Shelly Silver, Bill Viola, Robert Wilson, Julie Zando and many others. An online catalogue designed especially for interested users of the Internet provides detailed information on artists and their works. Those eager for more after casting their eyes over these visual delights need only click on to make these videotapes their own.
EAI regards itself as an interface between archiving and promoting. Its wide-ranging programme of established and up-and-coming artists represents an important contribution to a comprehensive understanding of video art.
Stephen Vitiello, head of the EAI department handling special projects and the conservation of videos, will introduce youngbies. These are young artists who are attracting attention as newcomers and may well one day stand side by side with such well-known names as Steina Vasulka, Bill Viola and Robert Wilson, who also achieved initial success as youngbies with EAI. Cold Pieces, Milking the Swiss Cow, Selected Works, Recital, Tiger Lives