A performance/installation for which I made sculptural objects and photos based on the ideas of intimate gestures in public spaces and “tinyness”, and a motion-activated 30 second digital video that was installed behind a wall and viewed through a peephole. I was present throughout the run of the exhibition in the gallery and for each and every viewer, at the climax of the video, I grabbed his/her ass. At the opening of the show I planted an actor who I had directed/choreographed to become very violent when he was grabbed and to shout repeatedly, "This isn't art!" I roughly threw him to the ground and out of the gallery.

Vertical Smile@Postmasters Gallery Press

Bruce Hainley, “Dumb Up”, Artforum, December 1996

Sarah Schmerler, “Vertical Smile”, Time Out New York, July 3,1996

Bruce Hainley, “All The Rage”, Artforum, March 1996

Tom Murrin, “Summer Stage”, Paper Magazine, Summer 1995

Bruce Hainley, “Cake Fur”, Artforum, April 1995