For his first exhibition at MoMA PS1, Clifford Owens presents Anthology, on view through March 12, 2012. Anthology is a new project that merges photography, video and live performance. On view are videos and photos of Owens’ performances, featuring scores by twenty-six African-American multigenerational artists who composed scores specifically for the project.

Installation view of Clifford Owens: Anthology at MoMA PS1, 2011. Copyright 2011 MoMA PS1; photo: Matthew Septimus.

African-American performance art has been largely under-recognized, and Owens creates a project that is both personal and historical in nature. Owens worked in a studio at MoMA PS1 during the summer of 2011, acting out performance scores and choreographed movements. The photographs, videos and objects from this work are presented in the exhibition. Live performances by Owens take place throughout the course of the show.

Installation view of Clifford Owens: Anthology at MoMA PS1, 2011. Copyright 2011 MoMA PS1; photo: Matthew Septimus.

Anthology scores have been contributed by artists including Derrick Adams, Terry Adkins, Sanford Biggers, Aisha Cousins, Sherman Fleming, Coco Fusco, Charles Gaines, Malik Gaines, Rico Gatson, Rashawn Griffin, Lyle Ashton Harris, Maren Hassinger, Steffani Jemison, Jennie C. Jones, Nsenga A. Knight, Glenn Ligon, Dave McKenzie, Senga Nengudi, Lorraine O’Grady, Benjamin Patterson, William Pope.L, Jacolby Satterwhite, Xaviera Simmons, Shinique Smith, Kara Walker, and Saya Woolfalk.

A special performance by Clifford Owens will take place February 11, 2012 at 3 p.m. An additional performance will be held on March 11, 2012.

Clifford Owens. Anthology (Nsenga Knight) (detail). 2011. Performance still. Courtesy On Stellar Rays.

Clifford Owens. Anthology (Senga Nengudi) (detail). 2011. Performance still. Courtesy On Stellar Rays.

Clifford Owens: Anthology is organized by Christopher Y. Lew, Assistant Curator of MoMA PS1.

MoMA PS1 is located at 22-25 Jackson Avenue at the intersection of 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY.  For more information, call 718.784.2084 or visit MoMA PS1.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.