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Larry and Debby Kline


Press Releases and News

October 21, 2004 -- Larry and Debby Kline in Exhibition at SF Camerawork

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event:Opening of Monument Recall Public Memory and Public Spaces at SF Camerawork, San Francisco, California.  Curated by Laurie Blavin, Paula Levine, and Trena Noval.

Date/Time: Opening: Tuesday, October 26, 2004, 5-8 PM. 
Open from October 26 - November 24, 2004

Address: 1246 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA 94103

Contact: Debby or Larry Kline, 760.432.9436, inkline@inetworld,net or dekline1@yahoo.com or SF Camerawork, 415.863.1001

Artists, Debby and Larry Kline are included in the exhibition along with

Shimon Attie           John Roloff
Boym Partners        Stephanie Snyder and Aaron Day
Thomas Kellner       Eva Sutton
Germaine Koh         Lex Thompson
Tony Labat              Wang Qingsong
Manuel Piña             KW:a-Mabel O. Wilson + Paul Kariouk

Public works/installations by Debby and Larry Kline, Mark Brest van Kempen, David Maisel, Jeannene Przyblysky and San Francisco Bureau of Urban Secrets.

SF Camerawork offers a bus tour of the public monument sites, between San Francisco and Sears Point (Sears Point location displays light sculpture by Debby and Larry Kline, titled: Encryption) on Saturday, November 20, 2004 from 3 – 8 PM

$12/$10 members, students and seniors; includes dinner. 

Online exhibition: Improbable Monuments at  http://www.sfcamerawork.org/improbablemonuments.htm
beginning on October 26, 2004.

Visit http://www.sfcamerawork.org or http://www.jugglingklines.com to learn more.

BIO

Debby and Larry Kline create issue-oriented artwork that addresses political, economic and social issues.  Their untraditional approach to public art was rewarded with two grants from Gunk Foundation, New York as well as a grant from The Potrero Nuevo Fund, San Francisco.  Their work can be found in numerous corporate and private collections.

This month the Klines lectured for the Art and Science Forum at the Jonas Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA.  Their work is featured in the current (September/October) issue of Orion Magazine as well as the upcoming issues of Public Art Review.


October 1, 2004 --
Artists Larry and Debby Kline to Speak at The Salk Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event: Artists, Larry and Debby Kline, to Speak at The Salk Institute
Date/Time: Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 6:30 PM
Location: The Salk Institute Fellows Room,
Contact: Debby or Larry Kline, 760.432.9436, inkline@inetworld.net or
dekline1@yahoo.com

The worlds of art and science will be brought together at The Salk Institute this week through a presentation by artists, Debby and Larry Kline. The Klines have been invited to speak at The Institute as a result of the success of their works, such as their highly-visible “Electric Fields of California,” that marry physics and logic to aesthetics and social statements.

Debby and Larry Kline are Escondido, California-based artists whose work addresses political, social and economic issues. The nature of their creative thinking questions the status quo. They also recently curated the Oceanside exhibit of room-sized installations titled: "Generation to Generation: Contemporary Assemblage" at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Debby was the acting Museum Director of the California Center for the Arts Museum and the past president of COVA.

Examples of projects are:
"Periscopic Tree for Homeland Security", a sculpture in place at the San Diego Harbour 100 yards north of the Star of India which questions our Administration's concerns (or lack) of security issues facing the harbour of San Diego.

"Electric Fields of California" is an installation of fluorescent light bulbs strategically placed beneath electrical power towers creating an undulating light that is both eerie and beautiful; a reflection of California's energy crisis and the current concerns for public safety. Funded by the Gunk Foundation, NY and the Potrero Nuevo Fund, San Francisco.

Most recently these artists were awarded their second grant from the Gunk Foundation for their art piece" The Game at Hand" which addresses America's current global conflict. While appearing to be a beautifully hand-made chess set, one realizes the futility of this game. It is unplayable or at least cannot be conducted fairly.

Debby and Larry Kline are very thoughtful artists whose insights into regional and global issues will be sure to stimulate The Forum members and should lead to an evening of delightful discussion.

Ron Newby
(858) 755-3020
ronnewby@san.rr.com

The Fellows Room is located in the North building, 5th floor in the very northwest corner of The Salk Institute. The gate is located at this corner on the 3rd (or middle) floor. The gate usually remains open until about 6:30. However, if it is closed, wait until someone exits, which is quite often at this hour. To receive directions and/or a map by fax, please telephone or email Ron Newby (© 2004 The Art & Science Forum)


September 3, 2004 --
The Electric Fields of California Featured in Orion Magazine

Artists Debby and Larry Kline have been included in this month’s edition of Orion Magazine (September/October 2004).  The Kline’s artworks from the series, The Electric Fields of California are highlighted in an article titled, “Unplugged.”  View work at www.jugglineklines.com.

The Electric Fields of California are partially funded by the Gunk Foundation, NY and the Potrero Nuevo Fund, San Francisco, CA and will be on view at SF Camerawork, San Francisco beginning October 26, 2004

“Orion explores an emerging alternative world view.  Informed by a growing ecological awareness and the need for cultural change, it is a forum for thoughtful and creative ideas and practical examples of how we might live justly, wisely and artfully on Earth.”  - Orion Magazine.


July 9, 2004 -- Debby and Larry Kline Receive Second Grant from Gunk Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artists, Debby and Larry Kline wish to announce that they have been awarded their second grant from the GUNK FOUNDATION, New York.  This grant is awarded to travel the artists’ work titled: THE GAME AT HAND.

The game of chess has always been a metaphor for conflict and war. THE GAME AT HAND addresses America’s current global conflicts, and is a poignant commentary on US involvement in both hot and cold wars in the Middle East.  At a distance, this piece appears to be simply a beautifully hand-made chess set.  Closer inspection, however, reveals the futility of this game.  As viewers are encouraged to play, it becomes evident that the game is unplayable or at least cannot be conducted fairly.

The most striking feature of this set are the rows of burka-clad figures.  Their presence can be understood in many ways.  The obvious observation is that they appear to be unarmed.  Does this speak of the slaughter of innocents or combatants in disguise?  How does one determine one’s enemies and how does one determine rank amidst disguises?  Perhaps the burka-clad figure’s lack of individuality speaks of the need to stereotype and dehumanize one’s enemies.  The American footsoldiers also lack individuality.  The reality of war is that military strategists cannot afford to mourn the loss of individuals. 

Replacing one of the traditional bishops on the American side is a figure modeled after Rabbi Sandy Sasso, one of the first ordained female rabbis in Jewish history.  Her presence on the board as a spiritual leader addresses issues of women’s rights, American opportunity as well as referencing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

THE GAME AT HAND encourages cultural dialogue and gives permission to openly discuss deeply rooted fears.  Recently exhibited at the Cross-Cultural Center at University of California, San Diego, the work led to many hours of discussion among university students and visitors.  The piece brought together disparate cultures on common ground – the playing field of war.

Many parks and neighborhoods are known for street chess matches.  In New York there are ongoing games at Times Square and Washington Square Park; Santa Monica features International Chess Park; Los Angeles - Leimert Park, Chicago - North Avenue Beach, San Francisco - Market Street.  The Klines will travel THE GAME AT HAND to some of these sites and videotape the chess matches.  Soldiers returning from the Middle East related positively to the game and indicated that they did not know who they were fighting.

Conceived during the conflict in Afghanistan this piece remains relevant as we try to make sense of the political landscape in Iraq.  This work will continue to act as a catalyst for commentary regarding our nation’s general uncertainty concerning involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.  Although the players may change, the cultural divide will certainly prove problematic for years to come. Attached you will find 2 jpeg images of the completed chess set.

You may view more of their works at the following web addresses: www.publicaddress.us/DebbyK.html and www.publicaddress.us/LarryK.html .  Please contact the Klines via email dekline1@yahoo.com or inkline@inetworld.net or by phone at 706.432.9436.


June 11, 2004 -- Debby and Larry Kline Receive Additional Funding for Electric Fields Project

Artists, Debby and Larry Kline wish to announce that they have received a grant from San Francisco's POTRERO NUEVO FUND to accomplish the final installation of The Electric Fields of California.  The project will culminate with an installation at Sears Point Farming Company, located on Tubbs Island in Sonoma County, CA.  The installation will also be included in Monument Recall, an exhibition at SF Camerawork in October.  Images from other sites will be on view at the gallery.

The installation will be located on Highway 37 about a mile east of Highway 121, and will be available for viewing for approximately six months.  The property is fenced and the owners have asked that viewers respect their privacy and view the piece from the road.
 
About the Project

The first incarnation of this work, Mother the Cows are Glowing, was initiated in 1983, as a column of fluorescent bulbs installed beneath power lines on an Indiana farm.  At this location it was noted that the horses kept their distance from the fences and, in fact, the wooden fence posts vibrated from the electromagnetic fields on this property.  In 2001, as a response to the California energy crisis, the artists decided to expand the work to locations across the state of California.  Initial funding was received from the Gunk Foundation, NY, in July of 2001. This artwork has been published in Public Art Review and is currently slated for publication in Orion, an environmentally conscious magazine with an international circulation.

A study conducted in 1991 by National Research Council (NRC) found no discernable public health effects relating to exposure to EM fields transmitted by high voltage electrical lines.  This finding seems inconsistent with later NRC research, which reviewed epidemiological studies and concluded that children living in homes with high magnetic fields have a 1.5 times greater risk of developing leukemia.  Considerable controversy remains regarding the voracity and conclusions of these studies.  From the viewpoint of the artists, however, it seems logical that as humans are essentially electrical beings, exposure to strong EMFs could have a physiological effect.
 
The Klines' experiences during installations have proven alarming.  The electromagnetic fields at the Ontario vineyard were powerful enough to cause the grapevines to vibrate!  The Klines have also received mild shocks when working beneath the power lines, at one point witnessing sparks arcing between the steel supporting rods and aluminum levels used to adjust the angle of the rods.

Attached you will find the press copy that includes additional details.
 
Artwork Description     Debby and Larry Kline

The Electric Fields of California is an art installation that addresses health and environmental concerns surrounding current methods of electrical transmission and creates a seductive and beautiful effect that brings a new perspective to the western landscape.

The piece consists of a series of outdoor light sculptures, using ambient electrical fields beneath electrical power lines to illuminate fluorescent light bulbs.  High voltage power lines generate an electrical field strong enough to excite the plasma in fluorescent light bulbs at ground level without any electrical connections.  The light emanating from the bulbs display the stunning fluid motion of the charged plasmas.   Those who visit The Electric Fields of California are often struck by the incongruity of the peaceful, spiritual nature of the experience and the conscious realization that the pieces exist within environmentally hostile spaces.  At one installation site (located in a vineyard just east of Los Angeles), the electromagnetic fields are so powerful that the grapevines vibrate.  Due to increasing property costs, land is being developed in close proximity to power lines.  This artwork helps to expose the potential dangers of EMFs to the general public in an aesthetically pleasing, yet shocking visual experience.
 
When the project is complete, the fluorescent installations will trace the power grid across the state of California from the US/Mexico border to Sacramento.  The first installation, subtitled Cathedral Gate, is in Kettleman City, California, located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  This site is near the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 41, at the entrance to the Chevron PipeLine Company.  Installations are also complete in Ontario, California, and at the eastern edge of the Salton Sea near the town of Niland.  The Klines have been collaborating with a physicist to create a video, which explains the associated science in layman's terms.

The Klines are now working to conclude the project with installations in the San Francisco area.  The project will culminate in an exhibition of documentary photographs of the various installations at SF Camerawork (San Francisco) in October of 2004.  They would be happy to further discuss the project with you at your convenience. You may view more of their works at the following web addresses: www.publicaddress.us/DebbyK.html and http://www.publicaddress.us/LarryK.html.
Attached you will find a jpeg image of one of the completed sites.

You may contact the Klines via email or by phone at 706.432.9436. 


November 14, 2003  -- Completion of Periscopic Tree for Homeland Security

Dear Friends and Associates,

We have completed our public art project for the Port of San Diego! The dedication will be this Saturday, November 15th at 10:00 am on Broadway Pier. The work is located to the right of the Star of India near the edge of the embarcadero (Harbor Drive).  It is located strategically so you can view the airport and navel ships as well as portions of the city through the periscope.   The Star of India also sets sail at 9:00 am on Saturday.  We invite you to attend and watch the festivities.

Periscopic Tree for Homeland Security
San Diego plays a major role in maintaining the national security of the
United States.  Our nation’s leaders have informed the citizenry to
remain ever watchful and alert.  In light of this new environment and
San Diego’s history as a part of the military industrial complex, we
have created an urban tree that helps to fulfill this purpose.  The
Periscopic Tree for Homeland Security is fitted with optics, making it a
working periscope.  Placed on Harbor Drive near the Star of India,
viewers are encouraged to maintain a constant vigil, and to play an
active role in our national security by watching for potential enemies
through the viewfinder.   True to it’s naval heritage, the Periscopic
Tree is painted from trunk to sheet metal palm canopy in stylish
battleship gray.  This piece addresses the current political landscape
with a sense of humor.  We must be ever vigilant!

You may view the Port's website at: www.thebigbay.com/urbantrees


April 3, 2003 -- Reception for Human Relations: The Work of Debby and Larry Kline

HUMAN RELATIONS: THE WORK OF DEBBY AND LARRY KLINE
Art Closing Reception
Thursday April 3, 2003 5:00pm
At the UCSD Cross-Cultural Center Lecture Hall

Meet the artists in this special closing reception for Debby and Larry Kline who create issue-oriented artwork that addresses political, economic and social issues. Their untraditional approach to public art
was rewarded with a grant from Gunk Foundation, New York.  Their work can be found in numerous corporate and private collections.

Both artists have extensive museum backgrounds working at institutions such as The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, The Chicago Art Institute and The Indianapolis Museum of Art.  The artists work diligently to foster a vibrant art community in southern California through their published writings, lectures, organizational memberships, and their work as curators. The Klines are members of Public Address, a group of public artists who collaborate with city entities to create quality public art for the San Diego region.  Debby Kline is currently the President of the Board of COVA (Combined Organizations for the Visual Arts.)

The Kline's work is currently on display at the Cross-Cultural Center in the Business Lobby, Outside Lobby, Gallery, and Conference Room.  Don't miss this great opportunity to see awesome, thought-provoking untraditional public art and hear from the artists who create it!

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information please contact the Cross-Cultural Center at
(858) 534-9689 or cccenter@ucsd.edu