I Hate Hating

October 21 - December 11, 2010
Opening Reception: Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

So you think you're not a hater or racist or judgmental? Think again. And here's the real kicker. It's even funny. Now that's just wrong.

But artist Michael Mut doesn't think it's wrong. On the contrary, he wants us to laugh at our dark side. Mut presents his show "I Hate Hating" at Michael Mut Project Space in the East Village / Lower East Side.

"I Hate Hating" features photographs of people from all walks of life. And they're holding signs filled with racial slurs, hate filled text, unkind judgements and the like. But they're totally mismatched. An obese man might hold a sign that reads, "I'm bulimic"; A Christian might hold a sign, "Christ Killer".

As you view these sometimes hilarious and other times cynical or dark images, you begin to realize you're "correcting" them in your head with the automatic judgements ready at the tip of your tongue. Therein lies the magic of this masterpiece of social commentary. Our judgements and hatred are hard wired and ready to be spewed consciously or unconsciously. And Mut masterfully exposes our humanity by intentionally mis-labeling our "labels"

It's clear that Mr. Mut intends to inspire conversations that awaken new levels of consciousness. And at the end of the day, this very press release is one more "label" telling you what to think and feel. Why not just go and be the judge for yourself?

featured artist

michael mut