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Flavorpill, Artcrush edition, Aug 26

Transforming Iconic Images in the Age of Sampling [NSFW]

4:05 pm Thursday Aug 5, 2010 by Paul Laster

Sampling is the mode of the moment. In a sketchbook note from the early-’60s, Jasper Johns wrote, “Take an object, do something to it. Do something else to it.” It wasn’t a totally new idea in art, but when considered in the development of postmodernism and 21st century art that was made after art, that simple statement had a profound effect. Studying the visual terrain for a number of years, collector and curator Beth Rudin DeWoody not only saw examples of this theory in use, she realized the opportunity to motivate artists working with photography to take iconic images as their point of departure for new work.

The resulting exhibition, appropriately titled Inspired at Steven Kasher Gallery in New York, is a striking display of poetic, interpretive works by Terence Koh, Mickalene Thomas, Chris Verene, and others that shows what artists do best: investigate something and make it their own. For example, Jonah Fay-Hurwitz, Kyle DeWoody & Jordan Doner collaborated to create a twist on Annie Leibovitz’s famous photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono canoodling on the cover of Rolling Stone. In the Leibovitz picture, John was nude and Yoko was dressed; in the new image, Jonah is clothed and Kyle is naked.

In an earlier identity switch, Henry Garfunkel shot Cry Baby star Johnny Depp in a pile of hay back in 1989 to mimic George Hurrell’s iconic 1941 image of Jane Russell, when she was making The Outlaw. Likewise, photographer Mark Seliger turned Heidi Klum into a Jayne Mansfield look-alike to recreate an anonymous 1957 picture of Mansfield and Sophia Loren dining at Romanoffs in Beverly Hills for a 2002 magazine editorial spread. Meanwhile, one of the oddest pictures in the show is Eric Kroll’s Homage to Man Ray, a 1999 black-and-white photo of two nearly nude women sitting on a bed in only black gloves, necklaces, and books bound by stockings over their faces. It’s as surreal as anything Man ever made!

For a slideshow of images, click here

The Time is Now

"There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction." - John F. Kennedy

This quote has never been more applicable to my life than now. I knew I saved it for a reason. I have taken two 'big steps' in my life recently. One - which isn't that drastic - is getting an apartment for one. Yours Truly. I've lived with roommates through college and the past three years in Chicago but felt it was best to get a place for myself; to call my own. Decorate how I want; entertain when I want; walk around naked when I want; shout and express any vulgarities when I want (however, I don't necessarily need to be alone for that). But I can't deny the main reason I'm getting a place for myself is because the last three years I've had roommates move in with their boyfriends. One is now married to him. Which I couldn't be happier about. The second year, my roommate was in and out so much and my landlord sucked so was overall happy about leaving that building. And the last roommate apparently is pretty smitten with her (now) boyfriend; so much so I hadn't seen her the last two or three weeks we moved (well to pack now and then). You learn a lot about someone when you live with them. And I'm sure I'll learn more about myself after living on my own. I'll save that post for another time.

The second step is leaving my job here at Dig. I interned here in college and am going on 4 years as a full time staff member. The people have been great however I'm burnt out on agency life/consumer PR. Don't get me wrong, there are some cool brands out there, however I didn't work on too many of them. And when you're working 5-6 days a week at the expense of making someone else happy or make money on something you don't believe in or are passionate about - this lil' lady feels anxious, unhappy, on edge and exhausted. All work and no passion makes Sally a dull employee. So after seeing if there any different roles I could create for myself here at Dig, I came to the conclusion that I was just putting a band-aid over the obvious. That I need to try something new; a new environment, new people, new ideas, new work. Something that I am passionate about because that's when I do my best work! I'm sure many people work the same way, however, I'm not a bull shitter (correction: I don't like to bull shit people; I don't literally shit bulls); I can't put on a fake smile and pretend to sell something to someone when I know the square peg won't fit into the round hole. More power to the (rich) people who can do that; but I'm not that type of person. I realize that in my one life (unless reincarnation is real and I come back as the cigarette in my ex boyfriends mouth) I've got to do something that I really enjoy. Especially since I'm at the point in my life when I'm only responsible for myself and my own happiness. I'm not married, not even in a serious relationship right now; no kids. Just myself, my own health, my mistakes, my debt and my joy at the end of the day.

So where am I looking? Well, I do enjoy the communications field. I like writing, public speaking, crafting a unique story for media. But the industry is where I'd like to make the change. I'd like to explore an internal PR role (so working as a PR person for one company vs. multiple as you do at an agency) for a company or organization related to health/wellness, food/culinary arts, music/arts, anything vintage, non-profit, kids, or travel. To date, I've had one interview at a small start-up that offers a health platform for employees; small group but they seem sharp and could offer some interesting growth opportunities. I also saw that the Arts & Business Council of Chicago is hiring a Development Director and the American Heart Association and Chicago Children's Museum are hiring communications/marketing positions right now. And even looking into some work with Prevent Child Abuse America; a current client here at Dig. I'm also trying to network my ass off with friends and acquaintances who work or know people in my interested fields. It's going to be an aggressive two months but I know this is best for me right now.

Onward and upward.

Vintage, my Very Vavorite

So went over to a "pop-up" flea market up in Lincoln Square today, called The Vintage Bazarre. It was a small event featuring various vintage and consignment vendors around the Chicago area. I was excited to pick up a great coral/burnt orange blazer for $14! But the best part about the event is the truly unique style that is vintage. So much history and individualism that speaks to every single piece. There were loads of accessories - for the body and the home. After seeing all the beautifully delicate dishware - plates, tea cups, bowls, cups, mugs, glasses - I've decided to start collecting vintage dishware and using that as my own dishware. I even saw a set of plates and tea cups/saucers that closely resembled my grandmothers. There are so many wonderful colors and designs on each piece that not only are they functional, but works of art! I cant' wait to start collecting - especially since they are so budget friendly. I collected about a dozen business cards so I can revisit the vendors' websites or stores. One vendor had a box full of old black and white photos. Historical photos of friends, family members, soldiers, co-workers. I flipped one over to read "1945, Vietnam." I asked the woman sitting near the table how she came about all these photos. She mentioned that the gentleman who collects the photos travels to different antique shops and flea markets and re-sells them. It's so romantic to wonder what story lies behind each photo; each smile, each glance, each 'arm draped over another's shoulder.' And where are they now? Would they want the photo back? Are they searching for these photos? Do they have others that complete the collection?

The bazarre reinforced my love for vintage items. I am fascinated by what might've been and where it is now. I love the glamour of certain periods; the free-spirit, artistic style of other decades. And I find comfort that there are people out there who continue to embrace the past and find ways to restore these unique pieces. Because at times, our history is all we have to learn from.