Escalation, 1994, cast iron spiral staircases at Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, dimensions variable.

“Escalation, the only piece (in the show) that did not directly utilize text, revealed the language of the art gallery. Brooks installed a spiral staircase surmounting the wall that divides the gallery's two front rooms, which have large windows facing the street. Approaching the building, one could view people climbing up and down the narrow stairs and passing through an equally narrow passage cut into the wall near the ceiling. Upon entering the gallery, one discovered that one of those rooms was sealed, with the stairs as its only means of entrance. By climbing the spiral stairs, one had a view of the entire gallery, including the dusty rafters, and had to communicate with others who were climbing the stairs, which were just wide enough for one person at a time. By utilizing the large front windows to showcase the gallery visit itself, Brooks forced his audience to engage in a performance for those on the street, resulting in those within having the feeling of being in a human-sized Habitrail.”

Lorna Simpson, Adam Brooks, at Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Ellen Steinberg, New Art Examiner, Summer 1994