Published: June 12, 2008 04:52 pm            

ART: Kurtz investigation in ‘Seized’ spotlight

A four-year bioterrorism investigation would hurt the career of most people.

For Buffalo artist and University at Buffalo professor Steven Kurtz, such a probe was an inspiration.

Kurtz shows the mess the government left behind after their investigation in his exhibition, “Seized,” which runs through next month at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center.

“The concept is they took things important to Steve, even his wife’s body, and left behind this trash, debris and rubbish,” said Ed Cardoni, executive director at Hallwalls.

The exhibition shows the garbage law enforcement officials left after the investigation of the space, in which the FBI seized items which have yet to be returned. Although the officials were “cautious” about being in the house during the investigation, they displayed behavior that was quite contradictory, Cardoni said.

“Part of the irony is they dressed in haz-mat suits and went through a decontamination process when they left the house each time, but while they were in the house investigating they took off their gloves to eat pizza,” Cardoni said.

“Seized” is meant to bring attention to the investigation, and Hallwalls is the perfect place to do so, according to the gallery’s visual arts curator, John Massier.

“Hallwalls has always been a place where artists can express their ideas, and that’s what ‘Seized’ is all about, bringing attention to the situation,” he said.

Also showing at the exhibition is a project the FBI made difficult to produce when they seized his items.

“Marching Plague,” which took place in Scotland from 2004 to 2007, is making its debut in the United States. It is an experiment where pigs are injected with a harmless bacteria to see how quickly that bacteria will spread. The bacteria symbolizes biochemical warfare, but without the harmful effects.

Although Kurtz was under investigation for bioterrorism, he was never convicted. The judge dismissed the case before it went to trial April 21.

Along with the exhibition and “Marching Plague” will be a series of videos regarding bioterrorism. Most of the films are dated, but the video “Evidence,” a documentary that traced the investigation through its entirety, will be screened.

While Kurtz was under investigation, the news spread worldwide. The FBI made it a point to thoroughly investigate his house and many people are aware of it, but that is the extent of what most people know about him.

“Most people have read about the case but haven’t seen his work,” Cardoni said. “This is what it’s all about, showing his work.”

Kurtz declined comment on this story.

Anthony Custode is a Night & Day intern.



IF YOU GO

• WHAT: “Seized” art exhibit

• WHEN: Through July 18

• WHERE: Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo

• MORE INFORMATION: Call 854-1694 or visit hallwalls.org

        

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