Sunday, January 31, 2010

Gelitin, Blind Sculpture [In Progress], at Greene Naftali


Gelitin, Blind Sculpture [in progress], January 30, 2010. Mixed media, dimensions variable. Photos: 16 Miles [more]

Gelitin — the art collective best known for producing art works that looks like they were made out of Play-Doh and organizing performances that often involve remarkable obscenity (peeing on each other) — has arrived in New York. Through February 6, the group is working in Greene Naftali on a Blind Sculpture. The men appear each day sporting high heels, lingerie, and blindfolds; sometimes they forgo the cross-dressing for more traditional, naked exhibitionism. They have recruited artists ranging from Cecily Brown to Liam Gillick to Urs Fischer to guide them as they attempt to produce the sculpture without the use of sight. (There is a full schedule of guest artists available.)


January 30, 2010

Both times I've visited there have been some worrisome moments: the blindfolded artists bravely climb ladders and confidently wield power drills and hacksaws as they complete the project. No one seemed to be injured so far. In the span from the first to the third day (this past Thursday and Saturday), they had added quite a bit of material. After they unveil the work (to themselves), it will stay on display through February 26. Until then, there are far worse ways to spend a gallery tour or Chelsea coffee break. Benches have been constructed around the sculpture area, letting viewers relax and watch, as if the makeshift studio was a gladiatorial area.

Of course, not much happens in that arena. Greg Allen pretty much nails it on Art Fag City:
As for the art stars, it’s basically like weekly episodes of Love Boat. Even though it’s incredibly formulaic, the special guest stars add enough novelty to keep people interested week after week. And so it’s the formula–and the main characters, Gopher et al/Gelitin–who come out ahead.
It's a funny conceit — "let's make a sculpture while blindfolded" — stretched to a silly extreme. The life of an artist is slow, mundane, and monotonous, viewers learn.

But while it's not a thrilling spectacle, as the piano player provides a running score to the show, the gallery becomes a nice place to hang out and chat; a warm safe-house above Chelsea's frigid streets with a good view.


January 28, 2010


January 28, 2010


January 28, 2010

On the first evening, a puppy was present, gnawing here on a piece of carrot.


January 28, 2010

The supplies available to the artists filled one side of the installation area on the first evening of construction.

Gelitin, Blind Sculpture
Greene Naftali Gallery
508 West 26th Street, 8th Floor
New York, New York
Through February 26, 2010
Construction through February 6, 2010

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