For press information, contact Simone Notter Wilson, 901/678-4164

Robert J. Sanchez, an internationally exhibited and collected artist and arts educator, and Emiko René Lewis-Sanchez, an intuitive performer and educator, who are the two members of the Corner Liquor Store, will present the “Niku -n- Hueso Project Part I,” in Jones Hall Gallery. The two-part exhibition consists of a performance/installation of “Open Wound of History: The Tale of the Third Ritual” and an exhibition of Painting Documents, which includes of 10 of the 19 rituals from the Niku -n- Hueso archives. During the opening reception on January 14,

During the opening reception on January 14 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., the duo will perform “Open Wound of History: The Tale of the Third Ritual.” The event is free and open to the public. The exhibition of Painting Documents will be on display until February 25.

Based in Southern California, Corner Liquor Store is a subsidiary of The Infinity Lab, consisting of the two members known as "Rob Y Ko Sanchez." The duo began their collaboration in 2005 with the Museum of Temporary Art (M.O.T.A.) series at the ICE Gallery, in which they created and documented 10 private performance/installations from November 2005 through January 2006. Since then, they have been a part of collaborative teams, Mobile Toy Theatre, and The Infinity Lab, creating numerous exhibitions, performance/installations, and Internet interventions. Corner Liquor Store uses ritual, low-tech aesthetics, misappropriation, and faux marketing strategies to create cultural critiques.

Sanchez, a Chicano born in Austin, Texas, received his BFA from the Memphis College of Art, his MA from The University of New Mexico. His solo and collaborative work includes painting, drawing, text, installations, performances, and video projects. His conceptual base is essentially narrative and the content reflects an ongoing interest in the symbiotic relationship between artistic expression and cultural issues that shape community and society. Sanchez is associate professor of art at San Diego Mesa College.

Lewis-Sanchez received her BA in humanities from New College of California and her MFA in visual arts with an emphasis in performance from the University of California in San Diego. She has studied and practiced live art, installation, new media/video, dance/choreography, theatre/directing, writing, painting, and music. For her master’s thesis, Lewis-Sanchez developed the theory of Intuitive Performance, which reframes traditional notions of performance art by destroying authorship to create solely in collaborative settings. She has performed nationally and internationally with various collaboratives, theatre and dance companies.

Jones Hall Gallery is located in Jones Hall, room 109. Jones Hall is at the intersection of Alumni and Desoto on the University of Memphis Campus. Admission is free. For more information call (901) 678-2925.