Since lifting it from the bulletin board of a Thai ceramic factory 30 years ago, Swiss artists Fischli and Weiss have reproduced this motivational list in different locations and formats over the years, most recently installing it on Houston Street in Manhattan. From the simple instruction to ‘do one thing at a time’ to the more profound challenge to ‘distinguish sense from nonsense,’ the advice encapsulates the artists’ credo to ask questions and embrace the absurd. (On Houston St at Mott Street through May 1st. For more info, see Public Art Fund or visit the artists’ retrospective at the Guggenheim.)
Tag: factory
Ann Agee at PPOW Gallery
Ann Agee’s residency at the Kohler factory in Sheybogan, Wisconsin in 1992 inspired a life-sized china replica of a bathroom. Here, she has recreated ‘Lake Michigan Bathroom’ in porcelain, presenting the taboo topic of bodily functions with meticulous craft. (At Chelsea’s PPOW Gallery through April 18th).
Ann Agee, Lake Michigan Bathroom (II), porcelain and stoneware, 98 ¾ x 121 ½ x 22 inches, 2014.
Oscar Murillo at David Zwirner Gallery
If making abundant free chocolate to give to gallery visitors seems like a blatant ploy to get people talking about your artwork, you’d be reading Oscar Murillo’s latest show at Chelsea’s David Zwirner Gallery correctly. The young, London-based Columbian artist intends visitors to his candy factory – operated by visiting Columbian staffers – to take some to share, spreading the conversation about migration and commerce. (Through June 14th).
Oscar Murillo, installation view of ‘A Merchantile Novel’ at David Zwirner Gallery, April 2014.