C.L.U.E. (color location ultimate experience) is a collaboration between artists A.L. Steiner and robbinschilds (Layla Childs and Sonya Robbins), AJ Blandford, and Kinski. Like a living organism, C.L.U.E. adapts to the space it temporarily occupies. In this manifestation at the New Museum, it takes the form of site-specific performance, multichannel video installation, and video projection. The flexible nature of this project embraces multiple arrangements of its parts, allowing the environment to inform its presentation. Shifting shape while generating new elements is essential for C.L.U.E. and enables it to continually evolve, remaining a work permanently in progress.

In the process of making their work, the artists visit locales ranging from desolate desert landscapes to darkened parking lots, responding to the environment and capturing the results of these interactions. The subsequent videos are choreographed patterns, crafted through the use of carefully timed jump cuts that divide the piece into discrete, color-coded sections. In C.L.U.E., robbinschilds is costumed in rainbow hues as they perform a series of choreographed duets to an instrumental rock score by the Seattle-based band Kinski. The symbiotic relationship between Steiner, robbinschilds, AJ Blandford, and Kinski propels the narrative of the video and encourages the viewer to accompany them on their journey.

Responding to the architecture of the New Museum, this presentation of C.L.U.E. consists of a series of original performances and interventions by robbinschilds, an multichannel installation of C.L.U.E. to premiere in the Shaft Project Space, and a nightly outdoor projection of C.L.U.E., Part I (2007). The outdoor projection can be viewed beginning at sunset each day from the New Museum’s interior staircase between the third and fourth floors, as well as from the street after dark.

Performance Schedule:
Please be advised, these performances contain partial nudity.
Intervention: Friday, October 31, 2008, 6 p.m.
This event will take place in the Shaft Gallery space between the 3rd and 4th floors.
Intervention: Friday, November 14, 2008, 6 p.m.
This event will take place in the Shaft Gallery space between the 3rd and 4th floors.
Performance: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 2 p.m.
This event will take place in the lobby, galleries, Shaft Project Space, and on the 7th floor.
Exterior Projection Schedule:
Wednesday - Sunday, sunset to sunrise

C.L.U.E. (color location ultimate experience) is organized by Amy Mackie, Curatorial Assistant.