GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA.- The University Gallery presents Signs of the Time & Dr. Curve’s Favorite Roads – A Jim Roche Experience, on view through November 9, 2006. Jim Roche has had an illustrious career, producing two and three dimensional work, large site-specific outdoor installations, and performance art presented through video. His work has been included in the Whitney Annual (before it was biannual) in 1976, the Paris Biennale in 1977, and many other international exhibitions. He has done many solo and group exhibitions and major installations throughout his career.

“Sign Times” is a major piece created by Roche in 1991 that has been shown in its entirety in only two other locations. It is a popular culture statement and also points to environmental issues, advertising and cultural history. It is a large installation made from authentic road signs that is both nostalgic and graphically powerful.

“Dr. Curve’s Favorite Roads,” consists of drawings of motorcycle maps that are autobiographical and explore an important part of Roche’s life. From winning major races to a serious motorcycle accident, Roche has participated in this popular sport with the same gusto as with his art. In the drawings, the two components come together.

Also included in the exhibition are a new series of DVD performance pieces, “THE BEST OF JIM ROCHE: MULTIPLE VOICES 1986-1993”; Performance Art Compilation of Character Studies (on view in Focus Gallery in Fine Arts Building C) . Roche creates characters that are strong, opinionated and intense. There is brilliance in these cultural interpretations combined with honesty that can be unnerving at times.

Sponsored in part by: State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Gainesville Ford, BMW of Daytona and Orlando, Alta Systems, Inc., Dorn’s Liquors and Wine Warehouse, Beef O'Brady's Restaurant, The Swamp Restaurant, UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Eastside High School Institute of Culinary Art’s Hungry Rams, Holiday Inn University Center.