Nonprofessional Experiments (NoPE) is an art gallery, arts space and bookstore created by art critic and writer Raphael Rubinstein and visual artist Heather Bause Rubinstein. NoPE aims to present a holistic, non-hierarchical, inclusive approach to visual art and collectable objects. Works by contemporary artists are exhibited alongside global cultural artifacts, vintage furnishings, and rare books and ephemera. As well as presenting shows of emerging and established artists, NoPE also gives space to the vibrant traditions of self-taught and outsider art.
Taking inspiration from various art practices, NoPE incorporates the theoretical, revisionist art historical framework used to create Raphael’s award-winning blog, “The Silo,” and Heather’s sustainability-based painting practice that involves repurposing recycled textiles, fabrics and wallpaper. Our byline Living with Art intentionally echoes “Living with Pop, the 1963 performance where Sigmar Polke, Konrad Lueg and Gerhard Richter mounted an installation of objects and paintings in a Düsseldorf furniture store. Other points of reference include William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, Ben Vautier’s environments and Sara Penn’s gallery/shop Knobkerry.
NoPE is located in the Catskills Mountains in Callicoon, New York.
info@nonprofessionalexperiments.com