Flying Kayaks and Mattress Monoliths

I really interested art that makes use of familiar materials, manipulating them in some way that changes the way we view them. Nancy Rubins’ work is a great example of this method. I love that something as utilitarian and simple as a mattress could be formed into this great impressive creation. She can turn something like a trailer that is usually viewed as ugly and unimpressive into something interesting and aesthetically appealing. There is also the element of impossibility and control to consider when looking at her work. When you look at some of Rubins’ sculptures it seems as if they are defying gravity as well as their own natures. There is no evidence of the support and structure holding up the trailers or boats and so once you have come to accept the fact that what you are seeing is an actual physical object you hold you breath hoping that the whole implausible thing doesn’t come crashing down before you. But of course it doesn't and so you look at it simply holding your breath.




Jessica Stockholder also utilizes a lot of found objects, selecting them for their color texture and form and combining them in a way that takes them completely away from their usual context. Her pieces are strangely familiar and totally bizarre pushing you back and forth between your living room and some strange otherworldly landscape. Stockholder talks about her work and her process in this Art:21 episode.




I find it intriguing to try and look at common or familiar things and appreciate them for reasons other then their utility. Sometimes this kind of realization just happens accidentally; you notice the way your comforter forms a smooth curve from you bed to the floor or the way a shadow from a pair of kitchen chairs is perfectly symmetrical against the wall. But sometimes it takes an artist who walks around the hardware store and buys 50 ft of hose because it is the perfect shade of green to complement the laundry basket back in their studio to make you forget about hoses and laundry and look more closely for a moment at all the colors and shapes and textures around you.