The Easel

20th August 2019

David Hammons Taunts the Art World in Los Angeles

Hammons doesn’t maintain a public profile and doesn’t have a gallery relationship. If he wants to exhibit, he just asks a (“extremely blue chip”) gallery. His stellar reputation ensures ready agreement. Hammons is quoted as saying “the less I do, the more of an artist I am.” His infrequent shows are thus notable – indeed, it is difficult to decide if the linked piece reviews the art or the event.

I Learned Enormous Things: Hans Ulrich Obrist Remembers Marisa Merz

Merz was the only woman – and lowest profile – member of the 1960’s arte povera movement. Recent shows reveal her to be the “liveliest”. Her works were hugely varied, including a violin sculpture made of wax. “As we were installing the violin … it started to melt in the summer sun. Marisa wasn’t bothered: ‘Why would an exhibition have to last?’” An excellent video (10 min) is here.