Kienholz on Exhibit - part 1 (of 3)

Born in 1927 in the border area between Washington and Idaho, Kienholz moved to Los Angeles in 1953, where he began making a series of bas-reliefs with found material. Prior to his death in 1994, he was primarily known for his "Assembly Art" sculptures, consisting of mannequins, stuffed animals, and pieces of clothing, focusing on subjects such as controversial as bordellos, back seat sex, and abortion. Steels extremely entertaining film consists of audience reactions to a Kienholz exhibit at the LA County Museum of Art, which includes his well-known pieces "The Birthday, Back Seat Dodge, and Roxy's.


You may want to watch the video before reading my reactions.

Review (first pass and in process):

Art is a window, through which perception peers. As such it can have value whether you "like" what you see or not. Personally, I found some of Kienholz's imagery very disturbing. However, those images were disturbing not in and of themselves; but rather because of what they said about society and the human experience.

The manikin on springs brought to mind the perfunctory manner by which sex can manifest; unthinking, unfeeling, merely instinctual. Whille its true, we're hardwired to procreate. It's unfortunate that an experience capable of fostering some of our most profound expressions of love and tenderness. Can be reduced to not much more than the repetitive motions of a sewing machine.

The initials carved into the manikin's body. Speak of, among other things, conquest and a form of ownership that is still all too prevalent in society. After seeing them, I half expected to find "Kilroy Was Here" scrawled on an inner thigh. - No, these are not pleasant images. Or more significantly, pleasant aspects in society. However, the art conveys important realities of society for us to be aware; because it is only through recogniizing the unpleasant aspects of society that we can we begin to confront, challenge and move through them.

Other fascinating aspects to this video are the facial expressions and comments by the exhibit audience members. While watching and listening to people's reactions to Kienholz's art. I was surprised to realize that 1969 was so close to the 1950's. Conversely, I was pleased to see the range of ages for people who... "got it". - It is also worth noting that this exhibit was occurring simultaniously to the time the Haight district in San Francisco was hosting peak experiences.

As you see, other images are whimsical, humorous and express great insight. In many cases, I found Kienholz's works to be inspired.

The most disturbing images were beyond my capacity to comment upon.


Im looking forward to reading your comments.




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Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Kienholz
• art
• xxhibit
• society

[Barklord]

@srlouart 1969

cheers!

[labronk]

I think my heart stopped when they showed 'Back Seat, Dodge.' Such a masterpiece.

[srlouart]

please friend, can you tell me what is the year of the exhibit? or the foottage? thanx again

[pfalino321]

great!