Keith J. Varadi: “Finding Alternatives in an Age of Uncertainty”

University of Oregon 2026-27 Visiting Artist Lecture Series
Presented by the Department of Art and Center for Art Research

In recent years, there has been a rise in fascism, multiple genocides, unnecessary wars, the monopolization of industries, turbulent economies, the development of artificial intelligence and the fear of subsequent technological eradication, among other pervasive global anxieties and insecurities. As a result, markets have suffered, artists have abandoned their studios, galleries have shuttered, and academic and cultural institutions have been in a state of upheaval. Yet, as the brilliant Samuel Beckett once said, “I can’t go on, I’ll go on,” and thus, we too must go on. But how? Keith J. Varadi intends to share his experiences of attempting to figure out ways to do so.

Keith J. Varadi (b. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1985) is an artist, writer, researcher, curator, and gallerist based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Gene's Dispensary, which he founded in May of 2024. In addition to exhibitions at the gallery's primary location, Varadi now curates off-site exhibitions and produces events under the Gene's moniker. The gallery's roster currently lists Joshua Abelow, Jesse Benson, Merideth Hillbrand, and LeRoy Stevens.

As an artist and independent curator, Varadi's work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, over the past decade. His writing has been published in Art in America, Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles, Flash Art, Kaleidoscope, LEAP, Spike, and X-TRA. He has released his poetry in both audio and written form. Aside from his work in the art world, he has worked as a researcher for two private investigation firms and for the long-running television game show, Jeopardy!.