 |
Perforated Maytag dryer casings, auto carousel, lights
334 x 188 x 188 cm
Assisted by Victor Wong
Commissioned by the Department of Humanities and the Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto Scarborough, in conjunction with the Snider Visiting Artist Program
Located in the Social Sciences Building, University of Toronto Scarborough
Adams’ sculptures convert everyday objects into absurd and fanciful works of art, as here with Scarborough Lights. Three Maytag dryers have been transformed into a modular column, which in turn transforms its environment by radiating “light bubbles” that enliven an otherwise functional space. Although Adams has
subtracted from the industrial forms by removing their interior machinations and by drilling holes into the remaining shells, the result is an abundant presence, at times immaterial as the column rotates, and light twinkles. The title plays on the arresting Northern Lights, and offers an electrified parallel to the natural phenomena that captures our imaginations. The artist’s sense of humour shines through this improbable disco ball, encouraging the viewer to reconsider commonplace objects now made remarkable. Adams’ work is often best appreciated outside of the gallery context, in an open environment where viewers can be surprised, made curious, and encouraged to determine for themselves what to make of the object.
Adams’ artistic lineage can be traced to Marcel Duchamp, whose early twentieth century Readymades converted similarly banal items into objects for contemplation. Going beyond the Readymade, Adams makes fantastic modifications to the original forms, restructuring them into magical, playful objects — toys for grown-ups. Scarborough Lights humorously interrogates taste, craftsmanship and the appropriation of industrial materials.
ABOUT THE COMMISSION PROCESS
Scarborough Lights was created during Adams’ tenure as the Snider Visiting Artist for 2010-11. Established in memory of Fletcher C. Snider, the fellowship supports one-term residences by distinguished artists. Students from the Advanced Special Topics in Studio class (VPSD55H3S) assisted the artist with the fabrication of the work.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Over the past three decades, Toronto-based artist Kim Adams has exhibited extensively across Canada and in the United States, South America, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Eastern and Western Europe. His works have been shown in both art venues and in public spaces. Recent solo shows include Artist Colony (Bureau de change, 75th Anniversary of the Banff Centre) at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Roadside Attractions at Galerie Stadtpark, Krems, Austria, and Bugs and Dragons at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Recent group shows include Beyond/In Western New York 2010 in Buffalo, NY, Insiders at the Musée d’art contemporain in Bordeaux, France, and El Geni de Les Coses at the Office for Artistic Diffusion (ODA) in Barcelona. He is the subject of numerous books and catalogues, and his work is part of many major public collections such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Centraal Museum in Holland. In 2012, Adams was the recipient of the Gershon Iskowitz Prize for his contribution to visual arts in Canada. |
