A Book About Colab (and Related Activities)

A Book About Colab (and Related Activities)–edited by Max Schumann, and with a foreword and afterword by art writer and Colab member Walter Robinson–traces the output of Collaborative Projects Inc. (aka Colab), the highly energetic gathering of young New York downtown artists active from the late 1970’s through the mid 1980’s. The beautifully printed, full color publication pays homage to the group’s practice of collectivity and social engagement, while reflecting an iconic period of NYC cultural history. Advocating a form of cultural activism that was purely artist driven, the group created artworks, curated shows, and engaged in discourse that responded to the political themes and predicaments of their time.

With extensive documentation of the printed material and media steadily produced in the course of their collaborative undertakings (as well as many new first-hand accounts), the publication offers a look into the diverse aesthetics and concerns of the group as they embarked on The Real Estate Show, The Times Square Show, the A. More Store, and other projects.