Parasite Archive
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
Parasite was an artist-run organization, primarily active between the years 1997 to 1998, that was committed to supporting, documenting, and presenting project-based artwork. The Archive includes administrative records, articles, books, correspondence, ephemera, photography, promotional materials, objects, and audiovisual elements.
Historical Note
Parasite was an artist-run organization that was committed to supporting, documenting, and presenting project-based artwork. Primarily active between the years 1997 - 1998, Parasite aimed to establish a discursive context for project work and related issues. As a secondary (or para) site for projects undertaken at other locations, Parasite aspired to develop this discursive context by a variety of activities undertaken from within "host" organizations. Through these activities, Parasite sought to challenge existing modes of the presentation and distribution of art, and to develop new modes of individual and organizational participation in artists' projects.
Among Parasite's activities were the temporary occupation of existing organizations for the purpose of presenting projects in various stages of development. Presentations, symposia, discussion groups, and other public programs concentrated on issues taken up by particular artists as well as concerns relevant to the field, such as artistic autonomy, censorship, and sponsorship. In addition, Parasite continuously updated the "Parasite Document Collection," which developed into an aquisition of contemporary and historical documents relating to project-based activity, including records of completed projects and, where possible, proposals, contracts, and correspondence.
-- Adapted from The Parasite Mission Statement, 1997 (The Parasite Archive; MSS 333; Box 4; Folder 96; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries).
Arrangement
Within each series, materials are arranged alphabetically or chronologically where noted.
Series I: Parasite Document Collection preserves a collection of contemporary and historical documents relating to project-based activity. Materials on particular artists and works include documentation of completed projects and, where possible, proposals, contracts, correspondence, and ephemera. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
Series II: Services: A Working - Group Exhibition includes materials pertaining to Andrea Fraser's project of the same title. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
Series III: Administrative contains Parasite management records. These materials are arranged alphabetically then chronologically. Subseries A: Parasite Files preserves correspondence between artists and institutions, meeting minutes, and promotional material. These materials are arranged alphabetically, then chronologically.
Subseries B: Ben Kinmont Files consists of records preserved by Parasite treasurer Ben Kinmont. These materials are arranged chronologically.
Series IV: Video recordings includes project recordings from the Parasite Document Collection in addition to Helmet Draxler and Andrea Fraser's "Services." These materials are arranged chronologically. Access Copies may not be available for consultation at this time, please ask a Fales archivist.
Series V: Audio recordings contains recordings of Parasite presentations, symposia, discussion groups, and other public programs of interest. These materials are arranged chronologically. Access Copies may not be available for consultation at this time, please ask a Fales archivist.
Subseries VI: Data Storage preserves computer files stored on disk. This element may not be available for consultation, please ask a Fales archivist.
Scope and Content
The Parasite Archive includes administrative records, articles, correspondence, ephemera, photography, promotional materials, objects, and audiovisual elements. The bulk of the collection is from the Parasite Document Collection, which was a resource of contemporary and historical documents relating to project-based activity, created by the collective during their active years, and is supplemented by administrative records saved by the Collective, and by their treasurer Ben Kinmont.
Subjects
Genres
People
Donors
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open to researchers.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date (if known); collection name; MSS number; box number; folder number; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries.
Location of Materials
Provenance
The Parasite Archive was donated to the Fales Library in 2011 by members of the collective. The bulk of the collection (the Parasite Document Collection, as well as Services Files and some administrative files) had been stored in a filing cabinet created by Parasite as a public resource. The filing cabinet was transferred to Fales from the Shedhalle in Zurich, Switzerland, where it had been shipped as part of a project in the late 1990s. The remainder of the collection was donated directly from Ben Kinmont, who was the group's treasurer.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Access copies for some materials are available by appointment for reading room viewing and listening only. Please contact fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
About this Guide
Repository
Series I: Parasite Document Collection
Scope and Content
Series I: Parasite Document Collection preserves a collection of contemporary and historical documents relating to project-based activity created by the collective as a public resource. Materials on particular artists and works include documentation of completed projects and, where possible, proposals, contracts, correspondence, and ephemera. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
Ault, Julie, 1998
Barry, Judith, 1998
Bauer, Ute Meta, [c1993]
Beck, Martin, 1997
Biemann, Ursula, 1997
Botschaft / Berlin, 1984, 1993
[Catalogs, Flyers], various
Cottingham, Laura, 1997
Cultural Economies: Histories from the Alternative Arts Movement, NYC Organized by Julie Ault, The Drawing Center, February 24 - April 6, 1996
Culture in Action by Mary Jane Jacob, Michael Brenson, and Eva M. Olson, 1995
Dion, Mark [1 of 2], 1998
Dion, Mark [2 of 2], 1990 - 1998
Documents: Volume 1, Number 1/2, Fall / Winter 1992
Documents: Numbers 4/5 - 6, 1994 - 1995
Documents: Numbers 7 - 10, 1996 - 1997
Eichhon, Maria: "What is the origin of a city?", 1997
Electronic Arts Intermix: Video edited by Lori Zippay, 1991
environ 27 ans (peut-être un peu plus): pratiques artistiques et féminismes [2 copies], February - March 1997
Fend, Peter, 1998
Fraser, Andrea: Eine Gesellschaft des Geschmacks, 1993
Fraser, Andrea [1 of 2], 1997
Fraser, Andrea [2 of 2], 1991 - 1997
Games Fights Collaborations: Das Spiel con Grenze und Überschreitung, 1996
Green, Renée, 1997
Hors Sol: Reflexionen zur Ausstellungspraxis Réflexions sur la pratique de l'exposition - Sous-Sol Genève, Shedhalle Zurich, October 1995
In Public: Seattle 1991, 1991
Inventory: Volume 2, Number 2, 1997
Kafehsy, Sylvia, 1997
Karamustafa, Gülsün, 1997
Kinmont, Ben, 1997
Kinmont, Ben: Vietnam War Ads; or, your bibliography is our sculpture [Two T-Shirts], 1998
Kültür: ein Gender-Projekt aus Istanbul - Shedhalle Zürich, 1997
Kunstraum der Univerität Lüneburg: Dokumentation 1994, 1994
Kwon, Miwon: "One Place After Another: Notes on Site Specificity", 1997
LeWitt, Sol, 1998
Marclay, Christian [1 of 2], 1993 - 1996
Marclay, Christian [2 of 2], 1997
Mega-Shows, 1997
Müller, Christian Philipp, 1997
October 80, Spring 1997
"On taking a normal situation and retranslating it into overlapping and multiple readings of conditions past and present" - Antwepen 93, 1993
Platzwechsel: Ursula Biemann, Tom Burr, Mark Dion, Christian Philipp Müller - Kunsthalle Zürich [2 copies], June - July 1995
REPO History Collective [1 of 2], 1993 - 1998
General
These materials were originally housed with oversized materials that have been relocated. Please see OVERSIZE Series I: Parasite Document Collection to review the remainder of this file.
Skulptur Projekte in Münster 1997, 1997
Shedhalle: Programs, 1994 - 1996
Shedhalle Zurich [1 of 3], 1997
General
These materials were originally housed with oversized materials that have been relocated. Please see OVERSIZE Series I: Parasite Document Collection to review the remainder of this file.
Sholette, Greg + Koenig, Janet, 1998
Simon, Jason, 1998
Springer - Band 3, Booklet 3, October - November 1997
"Thames and Hudson Rivers Project", 1995
Wiley, Daniel, [c1997]
Zeyfang, Florian, 1997
zingmagazine: a curatorial crossing, Winter 1998
Series II: Services: A Working-Group Exhibition
Scope and Content
Series II: Services: A Working - Group Exhibition includes materials pertaining to Andrea Fraser's project of the same title. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
"112 Green Street", undated
"Angry Arts Against the War in Vietnam", 1967
"Art Workers Coalition Documents, 1969", 1969
"Art Workers Coalition Documents, 1970 - 1971", 1970 - 1971
"Art Workers Coalition, 'New American Painting and Sculpture: The First Generation' ", June 13, 1969
"Art Workers Coalition Opening Hearing", 1969
"Artists Meeting for Cultural Change", 1975 - 1976
"The Artist's Reserved Rights Transfer and Sale Agreement", 1971
Asher, Michael, 1970 - 1977
"Backstage: Kunstverein in Hamburg", September - October 1993
Barry, Judith: "Designed Aesthetic: Exhibition Design and the Independent Group", [c1988]
Barry, Judith: "FRAC du Corse", 1992
Barry, Judith: "Ken Saylor Architecture Contracts", 1988 - 1990
Barry, Judith: "Ken Saylor Exhibition Design Materials", 1990
Barry, Judith: "Typical Commercial Contract", 1993
Bauer, Ute Meta: "Informationsdienst", October 1995
Bauer, Ute Meta: "Künstlerhaus Stuttgart", 1990 - 1993
Bauer, Ute Meta: "La Exposicion Ideal", 1994
Bischoff, Ulrich, 1995
Blazwick, Iwona: "Antwerp 93", 1993
Blazwick, Iwona: "Gordon Matta-Clark", 1974 -1977
Bochner, Mel, 1966
Broodthaers, Marcel, 1969 - 1972
Buren, Daniel, 1967 - 1971
Büro, Bert: "Asta und Studenten der Kunstacademie Düsseldorf", [1993]
Büro, Bert: "Wohlfahrtsausschuss Köln", [1993]
Cahan, Susan: "Homemade TV, Branda Miller, The New Museum of Contemporary Art", 1990
Cahan, Susan: "Laurie Parsons Project for Spatial Drive, New Museum of Contemporary Art", 1992
Cahan, Susan: "Resource Room with Julie Ault, New Museum of Contemporary Art", 1991
Clegg & Guttman: "Die offene Bibliothek (The Open Library), Hamburg", 1993
"Commodity and Contradiction, or, Contradiction as Commodity" by Carl Andre and Jeremy Gilbert-Rolfe, Summer 1976
Conde & Beveridge: "(Scan PAD/Lucy Lippard Archive, MOMA)", 1988
"The Desire of the Museum," Whitney Downtown, 1989
Dillemuth, Stephan: "Friesenwall 120", 1992
Dillemuth, Stephan: "Internets 94", 1994
Dion, Mark: "Chicago Urban Art Ecology Group", 1992
Dion, Mark: "Sculpture Chicago" [1 of 2], 1992 - 1993
General
These materials were originally housed with oversized materials that have been relocated. Please see OVERSIZE Series II: Services: A Working Group Exhibition to review the remainder of this file.
"Docklands Community Poster Project", undated
"Dokumentation", October 1993
Draxler, Helmut: "Working Group Presentation", undated
Fashion Moda: "Documenta 7", 1982
Fraser, Andrea: "Aren't They Lovely?" University Art Museum, Berkeley, CA, 1993
Fraser, Andrea: "Damaged Goods: Desire and the Economy of the Object," New Museum of Contemporary Art, 1986
Fraser, Andrea: "Preliminary Prospectuses, Project Office Outline", 1993
Fraser, Andrea: "Recorded Tour," Whitney Biennial Exhibition, 1992 - 1993
Fraser, Andrea: "What's Intangible, Transitory, Mediating, Participatory, and Rendered in the Public Sphere?", [c1993]
Fraser, Andrea: "Wiener Secession Exhibition", 1993 - 1994
"Goods, Services and the Future of Work" by Jonathan I. Gershuny, 1983
Graham, Dan, 1966 - 1967
Green, Renée: "Negotiations in the Contract Zone," The Drawing Center, 1994
Group Material, 1980 - 1984
Guerilla Girls, 1985
Haacke, Hans, various
"Herstory - A Documentary", 1970 -1971
Huebler, Douglas, 1968 - 1969
"Information," Museum of Modern Art, 1970
"Installation Photographs," Kunstraum det Universität Lüneburg, 1994
"International Board of Artists" (PAD Archive / Lippard, MOMA), 1976
Judd, Donald: "Una stanza per Panza", undated
Knight, John, 1994
"Kontext Kunst," Neue Galerie, Graz, Austria, 1993
Kunstraum der Universität Lüneburg - Press, January 1994
Lawler, Louise, 1982
LeWitt, Sol, 1967 - 1968
"Misc. Art Actions", 1968 - 1971
"Misc. Artists Organizations", 1974 - 1982
"Misc. Letters of Invitation + Requests for Project Submission, Misc. Exhibitions", 1991 - 1994
Müller, Christian Philipp, 1988 - 1989
Museum für Angewandte Kunst Installation Contract, 1992
Museum in Progress, Vienna, 1990
"Museum: A Project of Living Artists" (PAD Archive, MOMA), undated
"Pasta MOMA, Unionization Drive", 1971
"People's Art Gang Communique #7", May Day, 1974
"The Professional - Managerial Class" by Barbara & John Ehrenreich, undated
Project Artist Questionnaires, January 2, 1994
Public Figure Disclosure Form, Artist Questionnaire of American Fine Arts Company, 1990
Rahmann, Fritz, undated, 1980 - 1986
"RE: Placement," LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions), 1988
Research Records, Museum of Modern Art, January 7, 1994
Rosler, Martha, 1978, 1989
Scher, Julia, 1990, 1993
Smithson, Robert: "Towards the Development of an Air Terminal Site", 1966 - 1967
The Times Square Summer Art Spectacular - Media Alert, June 1980
[Titles for Installation], undated
Ukele, Mierle Laderman, 1969, 1982, 1984
UNITE - Exhibition Art Architecture Design, Firminy, France, 1991 - 1993
The Waitresses, 1978
Wilson, Ian: "That Which is Both Known and Unknown", March 18 [no year]
Women Artists in Revolution, 1970 - 1971
"Working - Group Discussions" Conference Document for October 80, Spring 1997
Working - Group Programs and Press, 1994
Series III: Administrative
Scope and Content
Series III: Administrative contains Parasite management records. These materials are arranged alphabetically then chronologically.
Subseries A: Parasite Files preserves correspondence between artists and institutions, meeting minutes, and promotional material. These materials are arranged alphabetically, then chronologically.
Subseries B: Ben Kinmont Files consists of records saved by Parasite treasurer Ben Kinmont. These materials are arranged chronologically.
Subseries A: Parasite Files
[Correspondence 1], November - December 1997
[Correspondence 2], January - February 1998
[Correspondence 3], March - April 1998
[Correspondence 4], May - September 1998
[Meeting Minutes], 1997 - 1998
Parasite at The Clocktower, 1998
Parasite at The Drawing Center, 1998
Parasite at The Swiss Institute, November 18, 1999
Parasite Funding Committee: Proposal for Parasite Subscription, 1997
Parasite Mailing List, 1/25/98
Parasite Mission Statement, 1997
Parasite Photographs, undated
"Parasite - Swiss Inst. Swap" [Meeting Minutes], 1997 - 1998
"Parasite Web Site - May Update", May 24, 1998
Subseries B: Ben Kinmont Files
[July 1997], July 1997
[August 1997], August 1997
[September 1997], September 1997
[September 1997: Receipts], September 1997
[October 1997], Ocotber 1997
[November 1997], November 1997
[December 1997], December 1997
"Parasite '98 Invoices", 1998
[January 1998], January 1998
[February 1998], February 1998
[March 1998], March 1998
[April 1998], April 1998
[May 1998], May 1998
[June 1998], June 1998
Series IV: Video recordings
Scope and Content
Series IV: Video includes project recordings from the Parasite Document Collection in addition to Helmet Draxler and Andrea Fraser's "Services." These materials are arranged chronologically.
Conditions Governing Access
Access copies for some materials are available by appointment for reading room viewing and listening only. Please contact fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
"Some Installations" by Judith Barry, 1985 - 1996, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 39 minutes.
"Moving a Border by Moving a River & OECD Trailer" by Peter Fend / OECD, 1988, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 55 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 1", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 64 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 2", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 179 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 3", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 133 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 4", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 130 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 5", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 164 minutes.
"Services: Sektion 6", January 1994, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 99 minutes.
"Dissociation I" by Mike Ballou & Adam Simon, 1997, inclusive
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 42 minutes.
"Corita Kent On Teaching & Celebration - Target City Hall", undated
Existence and Location of Copies
Access DVD available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: VHS
Duration: 63 minutes.
Series V: Audio recordings
Scope and Content
Series V: Audio contains recordings of Parasite presentations, symposia, discussion groups, and other public programs of interest. These materials are arranged chronologically.
"An Introduction to the 1993 Biennial Exhibition of the Whitney Museum of American Art" by Andrea Fraser, 1993, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Duration: 45 minutes
Original format: Audiocassette
This audio element was originally found with corresponding documentation preserved in Series II: Services - A Working - Group Exhibition: "Fraser, Andrea: Recorded Tour, Whitney Biennial Exhibition."
"Services", 1994, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"CPM Documenta X Tape 1", January 7, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"CPM Documenta X Tape 2", January 7,1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite Discussion with Mel Bochner, Tape 1", February 27, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently available.
Existence and Location of Copies
Audiocassette access copy available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original Format: Audiocassette
"Parasite Discussion with Mel Bochner, Tape 2", February 27, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently available.
Existence and Location of Copies
Audiocassette access copy available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"REPO History at Parasite", March 24, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite Meeting on Site-Specificity, etc.", June 3, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently available.
Existence and Location of Copies
Audiocassette access copy available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Tape #1 - Parasite Sur L'Herbe or, Slippages", July 4, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"#2 - Prin Tempe du Parasite", July 4, 1998
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"#3 - Parasite (American Canvas con't)", July 4, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"#4 - Parasite (American Canvas con't)", July 4, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite #5", July 4, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"PS, Day 2, Tape 3", 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite Day 2, Tape #1", July 5, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite, Tape 2, Day 2", 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Le (Dernder) Tape", July 4, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Parasite Discussion Tape #1", July 28, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
"Publication Meeting", October 8, 1998, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently available.
Existence and Location of Copies
Audiocassette access copy available.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Original format: Audiocassette
Series VI: Data Storage
Scope and Content
Subseries VI: Data Storage consists of computer files on disk.
Conditions Governing Access
Born-digital materials have not been preserved and may not be available to researchers.
"Parasite News Data", 5/28/98
General
Format: HD 3.5" Disk
Capacity: [unknown]
OVERSIZE Series I: Parasite Document Collection
Scope and Content
Series I: Parasite Document Collection preserves a collection of contemporary and historical documents relating to project-based activity. Materials on particular artists and works include documentation of completed projects and, where possible, proposals, contracts, correspondence, and ephemera. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
REPO History Collective [2 of 2], 1993 - 1996
Shedhalle Zurich [2 of 3], 1994 - 1997
Shedhalle Zurich [3 of 3], 1994
OVERSIZE Series II: Services: A Working-Group Exhibition
Scope and Content
Series II: Services: A Working - Group Exhibition includes materials pertaining to Andrea Fraser's project of the same title. These materials are arranged alphabetically by artist, item title, or subject.
