The Downtown Janesville Business Improvement District (BID) has officially announced that James Elaine, an accomplished artist and contemporary art curator based in Beijing, China, will be the distinguished juror for RE-LIT. This first-ever initiative organized by BID is an exhibition celebrating the resurgence of downtown small-city vitality and quality-of-life in Janesville.
With an extensive background in the art world, James brings a wealth of experience and expertise as the official juror to the exhibition.
From 1989 to 1999, he served as the curator for the Drawing Center in New York, and subsequently took on the role of curator at the prestigious Hammer Museum in Los Angeles from 1999 to 2009, further solidifying his influence in the contemporary art scene. In 2012, James founded Telescope, a nonprofit project space in Beijing.
Downtown Janesville’s BID Executive Director, Lawan Glasscock expressed her enthusiasm by stating “James will bring a terrific sensitivity to good aesthetics that he has honed over numerous decades in the Fine Art World. He is particularly qualified to be this exhibition’s juror because he is able to speak eloquently with those well-versed in visual art as well as communicate encouragingly with those who have only recently discovered art’s charm. Never swayed by names or reputations, James will most assuredly critique the works on their merits alone. I’m thrilled he’s agreed to be part of this year’s Art Infusion creativity. However, I’m even more excited to see what hidden visionary talents this Call for Art uncovers in the community around us.”
As an artist himself, James Elaine’s work has been showcased in prominent film festivals, museums, and galleries worldwide. His solo exhibitions, held at renowned venues such as The New Museum in New York, Sideshow Gallery in Brooklyn, and Dana Reich Gallery in San Francisco have captivated audiences with their creativity and thought-provoking concepts.
In a recent conversation with James, he noted that “It can be difficult to find curators interested in small town exhibitions these days. That type of work requires a big, open hearted and minded person who will be genuinely caring for the unique circumstances of the community. But it can also be one of the most rewarding invitations because of the enormous potential that art has to bring goodness and hopeful vision where it is often overlooked or underappreciated.”
James’ family roots in a small town have given him a unique perspective and an understanding of the sensitivities of communities like Janesville. His willingness to be part of RE-LIT and Art Infusion reflects his commitment to fostering the growth of art and culture in local communities.