Zittel time

"Andrea Zittel: Critical Space" is coming to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery on Friday. Pictured: Zittel wears "A-Z Fiber Form Uniform behind A-Z West," 2004.

The first comprehensive solo exhibition of Andrea Zittel is coming to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery when "Andrea Zittel: Critical Space" opens Friday, Oct. 6, and continues through Jan. 7, 2007.

One of the most influential American artists to emerge in the past two decades, the mid-career survey brings together a large selection of Zittel's habits, installations and drawings in an effort to illuminate the manner in which the artist addresses the challenges of living and working within a prescribed space of our contemporary world.

"Andrea Zittel: Critical Space" features approximately 20 of Zittel's large sculptures and environments from 1991 to the present, including three living units. In 1992, she developed her first "A-Z Management and Maintenance Unit," a three-dimensional grid that coordinated her living functions, and "A-Z Carpet Furniture," wall-to-floor coverings woven with pattern representing schematic aerial views of a furnished room, her first attempts to address the basic needs of habitation.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, Zittel will discuss her work at an Artist's Talk as part of Gusto at the Gallery at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

"It is very exciting to bring the work of this important conceptual artist to Buffalo," said Associate Curator Claire Schneider who is coordinating the exhibition at the Albr ight-Knox.

"The heart of her work touches on our daily concerns - what to wear, what to eat, and what to do with all of our accumulated stuff - but also the bigger questions regarding what makes us feel free and secure and what to do with the environment.

"Her fascinating sculptures, her beautiful drawings and her keen insight are certain to provoke enthusiastic audience interest and participation."

For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org or call 882-8700.