Professio Apis Mellifera ("Art of the Honeybee") is a two-person exhibition by Masami Kubo and Julie Harris, created through the perspective of the Department of Integrated Apis Mellifera Developments (DIAMD). Ambitions of the DIAMD are to inform the public about the wisdom and importance of Honeybees, instilling a collective reverence toward them. This exhibition was the culmination of the Rhoda Lubalin Fellowship and included design, drawing, sculpture, and performance.
The exhibition included a hall of fame featuring significant members of the DIAMD throughout its obscure history. The show also had the honor of displaying two original El Lissitzky pieces, on loan from an anonymous donor. The show also featured contemporary poster designs inspired by the DIAMD manifesto, and a kunstkammer of historical artifacts. Guests were welcomed to participate in a traditional initiation ritual that comprised of enacting a “figure 8” honeybee dance, a candle lighting ceremony while reciting the DIAMD manifesto, and culminating in a communion of honeycomb.
The exhibition included a hall of fame featuring significant members of the DIAMD throughout its obscure history. The show also had the honor of displaying two original El Lissitzky pieces, on loan from an anonymous donor. The show also featured contemporary poster designs inspired by the DIAMD manifesto, and a kunstkammer of historical artifacts. Guests were welcomed to participate in a traditional initiation ritual that comprised of enacting a “figure 8” honeybee dance, a candle lighting ceremony while reciting the DIAMD manifesto, and culminating in a communion of honeycomb.
Installation view of Professio Apis Mellifera, 2012
Wood construction, prints, wax, etc.
Wood construction, prints, wax, etc.
Installation view of Professio Apis Mellifera, 2012
Wood construction, prints, wax, etc.
Wood construction, prints, wax, etc.
El Lissitzy
Because She Labors for All and To See with 9000 Eyes, 1923
Ink and gouache on paper
Because She Labors for All and To See with 9000 Eyes, 1923
Ink and gouache on paper
DIAMD Hall of Fame, 2012
Framed prints
Framed prints
DIAMD Kunstkammer, 2012
Books, wax, etc.
Books, wax, etc.
DIAMD Manifesto, 2012
Prints, letterpress pamphlets
Prints, letterpress pamphlets
DIAMD Manifesto, 2012
Prints, letterpress pamphlets
Prints, letterpress pamphlets
Refreshments at the opening night of Professio Apis Mellifera, 2012
Raw honeycomb, sourdough, etc.
Raw honeycomb, sourdough, etc.
Refreshments at the opening night of Professio Apis Mellifera, 2012
Raw honeycomb, sourdough, etc.
Raw honeycomb, sourdough, etc.
Installation view of Professio Apis Mellifera, 2012
Wood construction, prints, felt, wax, etc.
Wood construction, prints, felt, wax, etc.
Detail shot of traditional DIAMD ceremonial caps and raw beeswax candle
Masami Kubo & Julie Harris
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Official DIAMD member jackets, ceremonial caps, and raw beeswax candles.
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Official DIAMD member jackets, ceremonial caps, and raw beeswax candles.
Masami Kubo & Julie Harris
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Dancing the Figure 8
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Dancing the Figure 8
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Dancing the Figure 8
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Dancing the Figure 8
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Masami Kubo, Julie Harris, & new members of the DIAMD
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012
Image of DIAMD Initiation Ceremony that took place on October 30th, 2012