Art Talk with Benjamin & Delaney DeMott

K[nō][no̵u]W You is an exhibition of collaborative works by husband and wife team, Benjamin & Delaney DeMott. As a couple, artists, and educators, the DeMotts share their home, studio and occupational space in Chicago. Although together, each artist works separately on their own individual art, until the impetus to realize K[nō][no̵u]W You suggested the fresh terrain of collaboration. Artistic collaboration is an exercise in communication, partnership, compromise, and craft. Each DeMott offers their individual perspective while simultaneously questioning that view to negotiate a new joint experience. The DeMotts describe their experience as a concentrated dance, “The score for that dance is our life together and apart. One of the collaborators makes a move, a call to the other for a response. The call is answered and another provocation is made in return. A rhythm ensues.  Choreography such as theirs makes for a rich, complicated and enduring relationship.”

Exploring, unpacking and critiquing the institutions of the ‘9to5’, life-long partnership, procreation, longing, and the perpetual “do-better”, the DeMotts offer the audience a space of recognition in an attempt to get to K[nō][no̵u]W You.

Benjamin DeMott is an Assistant Professor at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, he earned his MFA from NYSCC at Alfred University, Alfred, NY and his BFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Delaney DeMott is a Lecturer of Contemporary Practices and Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. She earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and her BFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

This exhibition was generously sponsored by Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Jan & Peter Brandt, and Alexis & Mike Kalish.