“No take-backs” has been a binding contract for many since childhood. Once invoked, the phrase becomes a promise to stick with a commitment without the option of changing one's mind afterward. The pledge is tacit, but the exchange connects the two people like an oath, to stay true to their word, and follow through on an obligation.

For this exhibit, the artists of Vox Populi Collective were randomly paired and agreed to exchange personal objects with one another. These objects inspired the creation or selection of the pieces in the Tiger Strikes Asteroid Philadelphia exhibition. The swapped item connects the two artists and grants each the opportunity to infer something insightful about their fellow collective member and why they chose this object to share. The work submitted for the final exhibition could be newly created or curated from previous pieces but must, in some way, reflect the object received.

The structure of this exhibition is an accessible and unique opportunity for Vox Populi members to think together and play with one another. Vox Populi, like many other artist collectives, is made up of artists looking for collaboration and connection. The broader art industry rewards individual pursuits for individual gain, often allocating material resources for singular artists who produce singular works. Real collaboration is not neatly prepared for auction and sale but is often tangled and illegible. Vox Populi artists must constantly choose where to spend their time, between their personal obligations, art practices, and survival, all while navigating the demands of volunteer labor to keep the gallery running. Through the combined effort of creating and presenting this exhibition, we hope to make inextricable bonds between artists that cannot be easily summarized or commodified. The exhibition is now an experience for each pair of artists that cannot be undone or retracted—nothing can be taken back.

About Vox Populi:
Founded in 1988, Vox Populi is a contemporary art space and artist collective that works to support the challenging and experimental work of under-represented artists with monthly exhibitions, gallery talks, performances, lectures, and related programming. For more than three decades, Vox Populi has played a unique role in the cultural life of Philadelphia by bringing our audience a diverse range of programming and providing a supportive environment in which artists can take risks and gain valuable professional experience.

With a rotating membership and a commitment to working collectively, Vox Populi is a vital forum for the development and exchange of artistic ideas. Vox Populi’s comprehensive exhibition schedule includes solo shows of both member and guest artists, a curated video lounge, annual guest-curated shows, exchanges with peer organizations and group shows that provide critical exposure for under-represented artists.

Vox Populi is located on the 3rd Floor of 319 North 11th Street, in Philadelphia.

Artist Pairs:

James Britt ⇌ Aaron Terry
Stephanie Bursese ⇌ Victor Vieira-Branco
Maia Chao ⇌ Evan/Eve Greenswig
Ali Rurano-Ruffner ⇌ Natalie Hijinx
Natalie Hijinx ⇌ Natalie Kuenzi
Natalie Kuenzi ⇌ Ali Rurano-Ruffner
Melissa Langer ⇌ Lea Devon Sorrentino
Cayla Lockwood ⇌ Cynthia Zhou
Eugenio Salas ⇌ Lane Timothy Speidel
Chenxi Shao ⇌ Jim Strong