American Chateau: Room One
Jaime Hayon and Nienke Klunder have worked together since meeting in Italy in 2003. American Chateau, is their first public collaborative exhibition. This new series of sculptural and two dimensional pieces is a creative departure for both artists, taking inspiration from the iconic cultural exports of the USA, (Nienke's place of birth), and the opulence of 17th century European craft work.
American Chateau comprises a collection of functional and nonfunctional pieces. At first glance they look like custom made works for a palace from the 17th century, but on closer examination it becomes clear that the artifacts on show are not as we would expect; the classical marble busts of heroes and heroines which usually adorn such chateaus are replaced by a 'Donut Madonna' praying on her knees and a 'The Rocking Hot Dog', a large playful sculpture upon which the viewer sits, legs straddled. The centre-piece of the room is a sleek glossy table in the form of a limousine with legs made in the shape of an infamous fast food chain logo, finished to perfection by a master craftsman*. The 'Donut Madonna' with a doughnut face both celebrates and critiques the world of material longing, cultural influence and the need to consume. Executed by longstanding leaders in manufacture, the pieces are a fusion of two worlds, contradicting and complimenting each other at the same time; the works' finish is high-quality and high-tech, although both artists take pride in their "hands-on approach'. The 'Rocking Hot Dog. 'which is fun to ride', is produced by a Formula 1 body manufacturer. Jaime and Nienke's pieces are the icons of the booming, fast-food American dream, a kind of Versailles meets Disneyland hybrid. This unusual juxtaposition transcends historical, social and contextual boundaries through its eclectic influences and overlapping of historical periods and high and low culture. It challenges the elite notions of art and design and gives them a frame i of reference in contemporary everyday culture.
American Chateau: Room One by Jaime Hayon and Nienke Klunder
11th September- 22nd October 2009
Spring Projects
Spring House
10 Spring Place London
+ Spring Projects
American Chateau comprises a collection of functional and nonfunctional pieces. At first glance they look like custom made works for a palace from the 17th century, but on closer examination it becomes clear that the artifacts on show are not as we would expect; the classical marble busts of heroes and heroines which usually adorn such chateaus are replaced by a 'Donut Madonna' praying on her knees and a 'The Rocking Hot Dog', a large playful sculpture upon which the viewer sits, legs straddled. The centre-piece of the room is a sleek glossy table in the form of a limousine with legs made in the shape of an infamous fast food chain logo, finished to perfection by a master craftsman*. The 'Donut Madonna' with a doughnut face both celebrates and critiques the world of material longing, cultural influence and the need to consume. Executed by longstanding leaders in manufacture, the pieces are a fusion of two worlds, contradicting and complimenting each other at the same time; the works' finish is high-quality and high-tech, although both artists take pride in their "hands-on approach'. The 'Rocking Hot Dog. 'which is fun to ride', is produced by a Formula 1 body manufacturer. Jaime and Nienke's pieces are the icons of the booming, fast-food American dream, a kind of Versailles meets Disneyland hybrid. This unusual juxtaposition transcends historical, social and contextual boundaries through its eclectic influences and overlapping of historical periods and high and low culture. It challenges the elite notions of art and design and gives them a frame i of reference in contemporary everyday culture.
American Chateau: Room One by Jaime Hayon and Nienke Klunder
11th September- 22nd October 2009
Spring Projects
Spring House
10 Spring Place London
+ Spring Projects
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