The Stickuation Room

If you were anything like me as a kid, you loved stickers. Maybe you had a sticker book where you would place them all carefully, as the precious items they are to children. Now, what would you do if you had unlimited stickers at your disposal? You heard me. Unlimited. Stickers. That was the idea behind Yayoi Kusama's exhibit at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane. After painting a large, domestic space pure white, she armed the museum's little ones with stickers and let them have at it. The results are incredible, and make me wish I were a kid again. Via This is Collosal.••••

Cut and Paste

New York is absolutely brimming with terrific art exhibits right now—so many that you can't get to them all in one weekend, as I sadly found out the hard way. I am going to take this chance to point out just one must-see from my last visit. It's small in scale but not to be overlooked: Playing with Pictures: The Art of Victorian Photocollage.

I first heard of this Victorian trend on my sister Kate's blog A List of Surprises (Mattern crossover, blog edition!), where she discusses one of the artists on view at the Met now, Lady Georgiana Berkeley. Long before Photoshop existed, Lady Georgiana and other forward-thinking turn-of-the-century women were getting all Creative Suite up in their personal scrapbooks. They created imaginary scenarios for their friends and family by cutting up and reassembling their (then precious) photographs. The results are often surreal and humorous. Learn more about the exhibit and view additional images here and here.

It's must be noted that their work also predates photocollage experiments by better-known (male) avant-garde artists of the 20th century by at least 60 years. You go, girls! ••••

Waste Not

On a recent trip to New York City, I had the chance to see a truly moving exhibit at the MoMA. Located on the first floor of the museum and visible from the four stories above, Song Dong's Project entitled Waste Not may not look like much at first glance. From a distance, it is seemingly just a collection of old junk, neatly organized into a thoughtful grid. I admit that I approached it with skepticism, expecting it to be a take on recycling by a hip artist from Generation Green.

However, this piece turned out to be far removed from my expectations, and touching in its sincerity. The Beijing-based artist Song Dong explains his project on a nearby wall, saying that during the Cultural Revolution his mother adopted the Chinese philosophy of wu jin qi yong— or "waste not." At the time, it was a matter of necessity— to save everything and use it to its fullest potential meant survival. However, long after it was necessary, the practice was maintained. Everything was saved, regardless of its usefulness. His mother's compulsion to keep it all, despite dwindling living space, worsened after the painful loss of his father.
This exhibit was conceived as a way to make all these seemingly useless items useful again as an art piece. It brought great joy to Song Dong's mother, who was happy to see that all of her efforts had paid off in the end. Sadly, she passed away shortly after the exhibit went up— but the material objects that represent her life (including the tiny frame of her home) are now on display at the MoMA until September 7th.

Stages

Lance Armstrong and Nike have united to launch Stages, a global art exhibition to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer.

Over twenty renowned artists have donated their time and creativity to express the LIVESTRONG message and raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which is committed to inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer.

A few highlights from the exhibition, which is currently in Paris:

Tom Sachs Lance’s Tequila Bike for Girls


Detail of the Bike

Geoff McFetridge Even the Simplest Shapes Wish to Become Logos One Day detail ••••

A Show About Nothing

If you are planning a trip to Paris and looking forward to seeing the city's collection of fine art, the Pompidou would normally be at the top of your list. However, I would have my reservations about paying extra to see its current exhibition, Voids, which is quite literally a show about nothing. Nine rooms of white walls. I felt this deserved a post if only for its novelty, but my immediate reaction when I read about it was "hasn't this been done before?" Apparently not, but the idea certainly seems recycled to me. I'm not sure if this makes me a total cynic, but I think I would demand my money back. ••••

The Shepard Fairey Debate

Since this *IS* is design blog, I think we would be remiss not to touch on the recent lawsuit brought against Shepard Fairey by the Associated Press. For those of you who aren't familiar with the case, the AP is claiming that Fairey violated copywrite law when he referenced a photograph taken by Mannie Garcia (a freelance photographer for the AP) to create his now famous Obama poster. Fairey has since filed countersuit against the AP, saying that there was no violation because he dramatically changed the appearance of the image. Garcia himself seems pleased that the image was used, and has no problem with not being credited. The fair trade argument has been debated and debated and debated ad naseum on blogs over the past month. Even Milton Glaser has chimed in! I've found that a lot of commentary on the subject amounts to either mudslinging by dissidents or hero-worship by fans, so I think the subject deserves some considerate and open-minded debate by designers. After all, this is an ethical middleground that designers and artists deal with frequently.
Last week, I visited the Fairey retrospective, Suppy and Demand, that is now showing at the ICA, and had my own mixed feelings about the show. I was impressed by much of the work—the processes and layering Fairey used elevated many of the pieces to the level of fine art. For example, the piece above references a travel poster of the geyser from Yellowstone National Park, but Fairey reappropriates it to form a social commentary on the war in Iraq. The poster now on exhibit at the ICA is highly textured and clearly labored over— it is truly impressive to see in person. Beyond that, it makes a statement that is clearly the artist's own. Here, my instincts say "fair game."

However, posters like the one above did somewhat bother me. Unlike the geyser poster, or even the Obama poster (which is similarly rich in texture), this appropriated Müller-Brockmann image is a flat, stylized version of the original. I don't feel that Fairey has added anything of particular substance to his version, and I can't help but cringe knowing that many people who walk into the gallery may not recognize that the original image is not of the artist's own creation. But maybe I am wrong— maybe this Swiss poster is so much a part of our visual culture that it has become fair game (much like Warhol's soup cans). At any rate, plagarism does not seem to apply—although Fairey does not directly cite the work for those who may be unfamiliar, he is also clearly not trying to hide his reference.

If this is the case, does it matter that it was not immediately obvious Mannie Garcia was the source for the Obama poster? And although Garcia seems okay with the fact that his work was not credited, would our opinion be different if the photographer himself was suing, rather than the AP? For me, the answer is yes. Incidentally, but perhaps pertinent to the argument, Fairey himself balked at the reappropriation of his Obey Giant image by Baxter Orr in 2008, issuing a cease and desist against the latter for a negative parody based on his image (above).

In my mind, I keep going back to the case brought against Jeff Koons not so long ago for copywrite infringement. Design Observer had a very thoughtful write-up on the lawsuit that is well worth the read. In summary, a relatively unknown photographer, Art Rogers, sued the very famous Koons for making a sculpture based on his above image of a string of puppies— and won. To me, it seems obvious that Koons made extraordinary alterations to the image, not to mention the change in media. But should Rogers still have been credited? He work may be somewhat less respected in the fine art world, but should it not still be protected? At the same time, where do we draw the line? Clearly, artistic licence and freedom of speech are also at stake.

There is almost too much to be said on the subject to fit in one blog post! Sound off in the comment section to give your point of view. ••••

Tara Donovan at the ICA

After the Anish Kapoor exhibit, I was thrilled to see the ICA in Boston hit yet another home run with a show of Tara Donovan's work. I had never heard of Donovan or seen her sculpture prior to this exhibit opening, so I was absolutely blown away by what I saw. Donovan works systematically by piling, weaving, clustering, or otherwise building single units of an everyday object into something all together new. She explores "how a single action applied to a single material countless times can transcend our expectations." It's how I imagine bees make honeycomb from wax— only she does it with things like Styrofoam cups (above) or paper plates (below).
Much of the work is site specific, or had to be created on the spot for the show— one example being the cube below, made entirely of toothpicks. True story: it's held together by gravity alone, and not a dab of glue. The show is up until January 4th, and is definitely worth checking out. ••••

Mass MoCa

Over the holiday weekend, I left Boston and ventured out to Western Mass for my first trip to North Adams's gem: Mass MoCA. The museum was impressive, and well worth the trek. Mass MoCA consistently brings in some amazing contemporary talents and shows their work in a unique space— a revamped 19th century cloth factory. On exhibit now were four shows: the large scale paintings (and one sculpture) by the German artist Anselm Kiefer, Badlands: New Horizons in Landscape (which included the fun work shown below), and Eastern Standard: Western Artists in China.But by far most impressive was the installation by Jenny Holzer. Titled Projections, Holzer uses two light projectors, one on either side of the room, to fill the space with type. Other than the text covering the walls, ceilings, and floors, this room the size of a football field is almost completely empty— apart from the giant beanbags on the floor, inviting you to lie down and really enjoy the work. Beautiful. ••••

The Pink Elephant in The Room

Art is controversial. Think Damien Hirst, Marcel Duchamp, Andres Serrano, and now Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.

In part of the 16th Biennale of Sydney, seven venues have been filled with art from more than 180 contemporary artists from around the world.

"This year's theme, Revolutions - Forms That Turn, urges artists to rebel. The stuffed horse is a 1999 work by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Christov-Bakargiev sees the stiff horse as a metaphor for thwarted revolution. 'At certain historical periods there is always a moment of social despair where people are no longer able to tolerate the pain and hardship of their times," she said. "I think we are at a stage where the world has to invent new political systems to protect the weak in society due to the great inequalities that globalisation has caused.' "

More thought provoking work for the shows below:••••

San Francisco Design Week

Good news for anyone on the best (ahem, I mean West) Coast next week... Mayor Gavin Newsom, has declared June 11-17 Design Week in San Francisco. In an effort to promote design and the San Francisco design community, AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) will be sponsoring a full week of events including exhibits, lectures, receptions, short films and more! Sign up now for an event that interests you.

As a designer, I'm thrilled to see the city come together to promote and encourage the design community. I strongly believe that design can make a difference and this is the perfect example of a community taking notice and encouraging our efforts. Fortunately, endeavors are being made all over the world to promote the impact of design on business and society. If you are aware of other cities, communities, or individuals sharing in this effort please share your thoughts and comments with us. ••••

GAP Whitney Biennial T-Shirts

My old employer the GAP has released a limited edition line of t-shirts designed by Whitney Biennial participants. The artists include such icons as Jeff Koons, Chuck Close, Kiki Smith (designs shown below), Marilyn Minter, Cai Guo-Quiang, Barbara Kruger, and others. T-shirts are all $28+ and they are selling out WAY too quickly. While I thought it would be difficult to pull off wearing something as iconic as Close's image of Philip Glass, I did consider purchasing the Kiki Smith top but acted too slowly. To browse the collection, visit the GAP website here. Happy shopping! ••••

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life

I finally made it over to the Legion of Honor (the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco) to view the Annie Leibovitz exhibit, A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005. I have long been a fan of Annie Leibovitz' photography and the exhibit did an amazing job of representing her work and her life beyond the camera. Over 200 images showcase her award winning photographs of celebrities as well as a surprising collection of personal images from her childhood, and current family life. Her well-known celebrity portraits are strongly lit, staged, and often provocative. However, I was drawn to the photos from her personal life. Showing a vulnerable side, Leibovitz proved that she is human beyond all else. Pictures of her siblings growing up, her dying father, and the birth of her children were honest in their candid, raw appeal. Leibovitz said it best herself when she stated, “I don’t have two lives. This is one life, and the personal pictures and the assignment work are all part of it.”

Of course I recommend everyone make their way over to the exhibit at the Legion of Honor, but I realize geography might interfere for some of you. So check out the next best thing - her recently published book, A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005. ••••

I like it when design has an element of shock and surprise. I think this is the sh!t (the sh!t being a good thing, for those of you over the age of 30). Check out 111 Minna if you're around SF this Friday.

Boston Exhibits: Pepper and Robert Klein Galleries

Nearly hidden away amongst some of Boston's loveliest shopping destinations are two of my favorite gallery spaces: the Pepper Gallery and the Robert Klein Gallery, both located on the fourth floor of 38 Newbury Street. This month, they are host to two terrific shows. Above is the work of BU professor and beyond talented painter Harold Reddicliffe, whose meticulous compositions of everyday objects are hung in the Pepper Gallery until May 3rd. His color choices and rendering are completely spot-on. Overheard at the opening– "I just want to lick it." Which sounds odd, sure, but if you have the opportunity to check out the show I think you will agree: these paintings are decidedly tasty.

And right across the way in the Robert Klein gallery, you can find the photographs of Larry Fink (up until June 2nd). His work really captures the drama sometimes found within everyday moments. Above: Pat Sabatine's Eighth Birthday Party. Below: George Plimpston, Jared Paul Stern, and Cameron Richardson, Elain's, NYC.

I Am __________

I was able to participate in an exciting piece of collaborative community art today on 2nd street.

Jackie Young and Cybil Gustafson, part of the Art Alliance Austin, will present a collaborative installation titled I Am, an interactive photography exhibition that invites patrons to provide statements that describe themselves to accompany individual Polaroid portraits taken by Jackie Young. Performance artist Cybil Gustafson will hang the photos and statements. Some of the statements are serious, others witty, thoughtful and introspective.

Woah, who are those good looking people?!

British Prints at the MFA, Boston

I went to the MFA last weekend because word on the street was that there's a printmaking show there. Obviously I needed to go. Rhythms Of Modern Life, British Prints: 1914-1939 exhibits the impact of Futurism and Cubism on British modernist printmaking. From the beginning of WWI to the beginning of WWII, the first inherently abstract British art movement of the 20th century arose; Vorticism. I never thought I would say the words "wow, look at that linocut!"...I am a printmaking snob, openly...but these linocuts were amazing. Dynamic, colorful, textural, these little gems really surprised me. Below are two Lill Tschudi linocuts. For the print on the left, she used the underside of the linoleum block to provide a tweed-like texture to the clothing. Oh, hey Genius.Also exhibited are some incredible drypoint etchings by C.R.W Nevinson (right, below) and woodcuts by Edward Wadsworth (left). Their take on bleak, industrial subject matter is graceful and clean.If you have the chance, go check it out!

I love Entomology (?)

In the seventeenth century, many scientists believed that butterflies spontaneously generated from warm mud. It was through art and illustration that many of these original theories were proven wrong. Maria Sibylla Merian, born in 1647 by German florists, was a painter and nature enthusiast. She was one of the first to capture the metamorphosis of the caterpillar to butterfly on the canvas. Eventually, she taught her daughters her craft and they became some of the most remarkable naturalists of their generation.Their work is displayed at a new show, Maria Sibylla Merian & Daughters: Woman of Art and Science in the Rembrandt House in Amsterdam. Not going to Holland anytime soon, the show will be at the Getty House in L.A. in June.

Michael Kennedy Costa: 30 Drawings

If you are in the Boston area this weekend, stop by Bridge Antiques and Fine Art to see the work of Michael Kennedy Costa, a fellow BU alum and a great talent. Mike is currently living in Brooklyn and has been working on a series of drawings which will be on display from March 14-17 at Bridge Antiques on Charles Street. The show is curated by a good friend of mine, Vlad Smolkin, and the reception is Friday from 7-9. I haven't had the chance to see Mike's work since our college days, so I've really been looking foward to finding out what he's been up to— this should be a fantastic show.

SXSW Flatstock Poster Exhibition

The infamous South By SouthWest festivle has torn into Austin this week, bringing with it hundreds of bands, artists, and media. While, I wouldn't begin to claim to be a music expert, there is a show I am particularly interested in...the 2008 Flagstock Poster Exhibition + Collectors Show (Co-hosted by the American Poster Institute. "Flatstock 16 will display the works of more than 100 artists from across North America and the globe. Posters representing decades of styles, colors and techniques will be on display and for sale." I have drawn a lot of inspiration from concert and band posters from the 60s and 70s. If you are in Austin, come check this out.