"Texting for forgiveness" performance, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Lazarus
Phone: 312.953.2885
Event: Oct 11th, 2009 5-8pm
Venue: Packer Schopf Gallery, 942 w Lake St.


Chicagoland Minister to answer requests for forgiveness via text-message at west loop art opening

Chicago, IL. –Local artist Jason Lazarus has arranged for Father Jef Johnson, an ordained Catholic priest, to answer requests for forgiveness via text-message at an upcoming art opening on October 11th, 2009, from 5:30-7:30pm at Packer Schopf Gallery, 942 w. Lake St. in Chicago.

The artist is inviting anyone with access to a cell phone, for one night only, to text-message Fr. Johnson to ask for forgiveness of sins at 312-415-8989. Fr. Johnson will receive and respond to texts on a cell phone during the two-hour performance. At the end of the performance, the phone’s memory will be cleared by the priest to assure the anonymity and privacy of all participants.

Guests of the exhibition will be able to witness Johnson as he responds to participants, while Lazarus photographs the priest as he texts responses to participants.

Lazarus, a Chicago-based conceptual artist, is represented by Andrew Rafacz Gallery and has exhibited nationally and internationally. This performance will be a part of the exhibition “39 Verbs,” curated by Chicago-based art collaborative Industry of the Ordinary, and will include, among others, Dawoud Bey, Tony Tassett, Jeanne Dunning, Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, Greg Stimac, and Sabrina Raaf.

More information can be found at:
www.jasonlazarus.com
www.industryoftheordinary.com
www.chicagoweddingminister.us