ILLEGAL AMERICA

(New York): (Exit Art), 1982. Near fine in near fine box.. Scarce limited edition catalogue of the 1982 group exhibition, the first show held by the newly formed Exit Art, in the original box with unbroken dollar-bill seal. Organized around the theme of consciously breaking the law, ILLEGAL AMERICA was the first exhibition organized by Ingberman and Papo Colo, co-founders of the cultural center and alternative art space Exit Art. A $4,000 grant "allowed us to do the catalogue. We made 500 of them. It was the first one we made with a cardboard box. We attached a dollar bill across the top of the box so you had to do something illegal - tear the bill - to open it" (Ingberman). Participating artists included Vito Acconci, Gempei Akasegawa, Louis Aragon, Scott Billingsley, Marc Blane, Gunthur Brus, Barry Bryant, Chris Burden, Papo Colo, Bogomir Ecker, William Farley, John Fekner, Lou Forgione, John Giorno, GAAG, John Halpern, Abbie Hoffman, Sam Hsieh, Jay Jaroslov, Komar & Melamid, George Maciumas, Gordon Matta Clark, Ann Messner, Richard Mock, Peter Monnig, Charlotte Moorman, Otto Muehl, Hermann Nitsch, Dennis Oppenheim, People's Flag Show, and Real Estate Show. A scarce catalogue from an important show. 11'' x 8.5''. Original cardboard box with dollar bill glued across flaps, containing 27 sheets folded in 4. Edition of 500. Black and white illustrations. Minor wear to box and catalogue.