This is what Marina Abramovic and Ulay did when they performed together. It could get hairy.
  • This is what Marina Abramovic and Ulay did when they performed together. It could get hairy.
I don't know exactly what David Quigg and I are going to say and do in "This Is Private" tonight, except that we're going to consider how far we can, and want to, go in discussing private things about art and life in a public setting.

Tonight's event marks the opening (softest opening in history is what we're going for; ahem), of Soft Power, Activated, a series of gynocentric events by 31 artists and writers happening over the next few weeks concurrently with SAM's Elles exhibitions. Soft Power, Activated is organized by artist Susie Lee and art historian Kolya Rice, in order to bring non-object-related content—hybrid performances, seances, demonstrations, artmakings—to the otherwise sleepy gallery in the UW art building. The lineup of featured guests includes Lindy West, Susan Robb, Lesley Hazleton, Korby Sears, Amanda Manitach, DK Pan, Mary Ann Peters, Michelle Dunn Marsh, Rebecca Brown, Britta Johnson, C. Davida Ingram, Amy O'Neal, Beth Sellars, Shari Behnke, Yoko Ott, Hanita Schwartz and, unbelievably, more.

The only rule for tonight is: We will close the doors at 7:30, and whatever happens in "This Is Private" stays in "This Is Private." Come prepared to follow the rule (and to be kind, if you can); admission is free.