Art: Pop and Unpop
It's been a while since I've posted any art links, probably because nothing's jumped out at me for a while. That changed yesterday when I stumbled upon Unpop; it not only jumped out at me, it grabbed me by the throat and practically crushed my larynx! The art at Unpop features the works of notorious artists, pranksters, and writers like Boyd Rice and Jim Goad, among others. Please note that these guys deliberately want to offend your sensibilities in the most egregious ways possible, so if that's not something you can handle, then for heaven's sake stay away from this site! I have mixed feelings about a lot of what's on display here, but I think that art should be allowed to shock people occasionally, as well as delight, inspire, and move them emotionally. YMMV, of course.
If you'd just like to see some happy, shiny, low-brow, pop-cult retro tiki art, then visit this fine online exihibit from SF's The Shooting Gallery.
Thanks to Johnny Yuma for the Unpop link
Comments
Odd place. Offensive, yet interesting.
Posted by: Collin | September 7, 2005 5:38 PM
Coming from a late '70s punk sensibility, I don't find this as offensive as some probably do. We did lots of similar stuff to try and shake people out of their polyester disco torpor.
However, I drew the line at appropriating Nazi imagery unless it was clearly intended to mock (like the Hitler teapot); that skinhead shit just wasn't cool and I think that Boyd Rice is a dick for decking himself out in fascist stormtrooper attire and acting all coy about where his sympathies lie.
Posted by: MrBaliHai | September 7, 2005 6:30 PM
Kind of a one gimmick art crew. Didn't seem particularly upsetting, but then I guess the anesthesia has finally kicked in.
Posted by: jim | September 7, 2005 7:16 PM
Granted, there certainly seems to be an overabundance of fascist imagery.
I also note that many of the featured artists are either members of the Partridge Family Temple, or the Church of Satan, or both.
And don't bogart that anesthesia, my friend, pass it on over to me...
Posted by: MrBaliHai | September 7, 2005 7:39 PM