Street artist Matthew Courtney, a pivotal figure in the Lower East Side arts community, passed away last week in his Brooklyn apartment at the age of 66. A co-founder of the renowned arts nonprofit ABC No Rio, Courtney was best known for his role as the host of the popular Wide Open Cabaret series, which showcased a diverse range of performances from New York City’s outsider artists and dissident voices.
Born in 1959 in Portland, Oregon, Courtney made his way to New York City in the early 1980s, where he played a significant role in the development of ABC No Rio, which started as an artists’ squat. From the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, he curated the weekly Wide Open Cabaret events at the collective’s historic address on Rivington Street. These events became a hub for experimental performances, featuring everything from political rants to spoken word poetry and avant-garde music and theater.
Described by writer Rebecca Moore as a mix of “horrible” and “emerging brilliance,” the Wide Open Cabaret events were a testament to Courtney’s commitment to providing a platform for unconventional art forms. Participants were required to be “amazing” in their performances, a rule that Courtney enforced with his commanding presence and mellifluous voice.
Beyond his work with ABC No Rio, Courtney was also a fixture in Soho’s street art scene. Known for his Steps to Nowhere Gallery, a makeshift sidewalk exhibit featuring his vibrant Pop Art portraits and poetic musings, Courtney repurposed found materials like cardboard boxes and newspaper clippings to create his artwork. His unconventional approach to art-making and his ability to transform everyday objects into thought-provoking pieces made him a beloved figure in the community.
Despite his passing, Courtney’s legacy lives on through the self-published zine documenting the Wide Open Cabaret series, which is being distributed by ABC No Rio in his memory. The collective continues to honor his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
In conclusion, Matthew Courtney’s impact on the Lower East Side arts community is undeniable. His dedication to fostering creativity and providing a platform for unconventional artists will be remembered for years to come. As ABC No Rio aptly put it, “You made room for the voices others overlooked, and reminded us that art is not just something we make, but something we live by.” The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations being introduced every day. One such innovation that has been gaining popularity in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and act like humans. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve the way we live and work.
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