Erwin Wurm in Boston

Series: Instructions on How to Be Politically Incorrect, 2002/2003
Inspection (detail)

If I lived in Boston, or within a few hours driving or flying, I'd get to the Rose Art Museum of Brandeis University to see Erwin Wurm: I love my time, I don't like my time.

I traveled to Boston to see this show last Friday. I have been a fan of Erwin Wurm's since seeing Fat Car II (pictured left) in Paris in 2001. The show at Brandeis is a wonderul survey of this Austrian artist's work - the first survey of his work to visit the US. This show includes the numerous photographs, videos, and sculptures he is known for - How to Be Politically Incorrect (2002-2003), Curator/Imperator (2002), One Minute Sculptures (1997-present), and Instructions for Idlesness (2001). The highlight of the show is Fat House (pictured right) - a life size house covered in rolls of fat. Fat House is both cartoonish and satirical. With the accompanying video, installed in the belly of the house, in which the Fat House discusses (with the help of digital animation) its reason for being ("Am I a house? Am I a work of art? Who decides?") is, for me, a poignent and somewhat humerous summarizing of all of Wurm's work. What is art? Who decides?

You can also create your own Wurm at two instructional drawing stations. Combine your body with a common object (large sweater, for instance) according to Wurm's instructional drawings and have a Polaroid taken of your effort.

Here's a blurb from Brandeis' press release as an overview of his work if you are new to it:

Wurm’s work is concerned with finding ways to extend the dialogue of the pioneering performance and conceptual art of the 1960s into formal works of sculpture. He has staged art pieces that walk the delicate line of performance art. While appearing purely comical on the surface, there are complex messages beneath these temporary sculptures that elevate them above the status of mere incident, form, and behavior. These sculptures provide satirical commentary on life and art.

Erwin Wurm: I love my time, I don't like my time
April 27 - July 30
The Rose at Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-736-3434

Because this is a blog about collecting art, here are a few places to find Erwin Wurm's work, if you are so inclined. Chicago, San Fransisco, and artnet.

Comments

[Marc]

Can't wait to go to this, living in Boston, I should hop over soon. It sounds great!

[mark parfitt]

Hi Art Addict, I found your blog via researching Erwin Wurm, one of my most favourite artists. He is one of my strongest influences. You have some great links and resources that I look forward to checking out.
Regards,
http://[email protected]
Southern Hemisphere

[Lou Patrou]

I like the house very much.. very cool

[Paul Pincus]

Erwin Wurm is such a genius.

Fat house ; )...it's impossible to not be disarmed by the work!

Cheers.