Tag: coffin

Paa Joe in ‘The Coffins of Paa Joe and the Pursuit of Happiness’ at Jack Shainman Gallery

Paa Joe’s fantasy coffins, which can take the shape of a giant coke bottle, lion and more, could make anyone glad to be buried. His untitled rendition of a fort in Ghana is more (appropriately) serious, depicting a 17th century Dutch slave trade outpost. It is one of a series commissioned by late collector and Jack Shainman Gallery co-founder Claude Simard, currently featured at the gallery’s 24th Street and Kinderhook, NY locations. (On view at Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea through Aug 25th).

Paa Joe, Untitled, wood and enamel, 43 x 87 x 60 inches, 2004-05

Wang Guangle at Pace Gallery

Inspired by the Fujianese practice of adding an annual coat of lacquer to your coffin in old age, Beijing-based painter Wang Guangle adds layers of paint to his ‘Coffin Paint’ canvases to signify the passage of time. (At Pace Gallery, 510 West 25th Street, through Nov 1st).

Wang Guangle, (detail) Coffin Paint 140404, acrylic on canvas, 2014.