Dirty Show 2010 February 11, 2010

ABOUT DIRTY

The mission of The Dirty Show is to promote, publish and propagate erotic art in all forms. This is done in the form of an erotic art exhibition which has become one of the largest in the world.

Since it’s inception at the turn of the century, the founders have been entertaining and enlightening the masses with a delightful event called, The Dirty Show. Held every Valentine’s Weekend, the show features a large number of artists, from first-timers to the famous at their dirtiest. While primarily focusing on area artists, The Dirty Show is open to artists from anywhere in the world, providing the work is good, erotic, they can get it here.

Porn Or Art?
This is the question most media poses. The answer is simple. It is 100%, genuine art. We have done extensive research on porn, logging in countless hours on the internet- we know porn, intimately. While some pieces, to the layman, may appear to be pornographic, it is as artistic as any shit you would see in a museum. There have been a few pieces which some feel are not “dirty”. This to is a misconception, most likely due to the lack of artistic education of the viewer.

HISTORY

The show was created by Jerry Vile in 2000, who was quickly joined by Jeremy Harvey. Shortly thereafter, Glenn Barr added his expertise. The first showing was in the expansive offices of Orbit Magazine. The show featured about 40 artists, with performance by Lady Pain and her slave. It was an instant success, far too popular for the space allotted. The following year, an additional day was added to try to split and thin the crowd. However, while the idea was good in theory, the crowd had grown and the crowds around the nude buffet were painfully crowded.

In 2002, show moved to the Bankle Building in Detroit proper, thanks to the generosity of artist Camilo Pardo. The artist list had grown considerably, and so had the viewing public. The newly formed Spag Burlesque Troupe was the featured performance artists, as well as dance and spoken word. Despite it being nearly three times as big as the previous space, it was a bit crowded.

In 2003, the event was held in the in the Museum Of New Art. This more public showing created controversy, and the largest attended art event in the history of the museum and many believe it was the most popular art opening in Detroit history. Despite the immensity of the space, it was packed. Performance included Spag and Helles Belles as well as the Gorilla Girl, Peep Show, puppetry and spoken word. Unfortunately, the Museum was forced to leave the space shortly after the show. The show also launched its first website.

For most of 2003, the Dirty Show could not find a space to hold the event. Fortunately, reason prevailed (namely the gallery director left in disgust) and in 2004, the Dirty Show landed at the Tangent Gallery and Hastings St. Ballroom—perhaps the largest art space in the Detroit. Created both permanent and temporary walls to showcase works from over 100 artists, ranging in age from 18 to 84. While mostly Detroit area artists, contributions came in from all over the USA and a piece from Paris, France. The space featured a stage professional lighting and for the first time people were able to see the performance artists (Spag, Helles Belles, Causing a Scene, Jimmy Doom, Ted Telvite and the Great Poocasso). The Dirty Show became the largest event in Tangent/Hastings history on both nights and was called “Detroit’s best attended art show” by the Metro Times and is now considered one of the largest .

In 2005, The Dirty Show opened its Call To Artists to everyone, everywhere, the result was a huge success. The show drew 1000's of submissions which led to a showcase of over 400 pieces of art by over 250 artists from 20 countries. We also had the largest attendence by artists at the show in its history, from across the USA, and as far away as Italy. The show was extended to 4 days and the patrons kept coming, and coming...

Official Website: http://www.dirtyshow.org/