OOF
Words look weird after you stare at them for a while.
I’ve decided that I’m opening an art gallery, but that art gallery is mostly hypothetical and exists as a newsletter on the Internet. Welcome, and thanks for coming.
Our second exhibit is titled WORDS ARE WEIRD.
Here I am looking supremely touristy, drinking in one of my favorite pieces of art, OOF by Ed Ruscha. I’ve never seen it in person, and it was such an experience.
This brings me to the first piece displayed here at Gallery Blerf: some excellent graffiti near my home.
I don’t condone vandalism, but look how great. This highway has been under construction since dinosaurs roamed Southwest Austin and this just makes me happy when sitting in traffic.
Back to Ed Ruscha— “OOF” was a word Ed Ruscha often saw in comic books. One could say “mmmbop” colored my childhood in a similar way. Not that I’m the artist here! I wish!
Next up is this quilted work by Christopher Cassio, who makes these out of his personal collection of old t-shirts.
Christopher’s work reminds me of Rosie Lee Tompkins (NYT gift link), a Gee’s Bend quilter with a very particular style. Scroll down on the article to see my favorite quilt of hers. You’ll know it when you see Magic Johnson.
And finally, this brilliant little print from another of my favorite artists, Catherine Potvin. The handwriting! The subtle humor!
Be sure to check out the rest of her original sketchbook works for sale, especially if you’d like to dip your toe into collecting art without selling a kidney
__
That’s it!
Thanks for attending another Gallery Blerf exhibit. If you’d like to dive a little more into Ed Ruscha, MoMA has some excellent materials here. I especially enjoyed this video.
Gallery Bookstore
Archive by Sophia Coppola: Sophia Coppola loves Ed Ruscha, apparently, which is another reason why I love her. This book of her notes, photos, and other ephemera from film sets throughout her career is high on my list of books to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
The Ultimate Art Museum: this book reminds me of The Met, but in book form and for kids. My son and I have read a little bit of it at night before bed for months now and we’ve both been fascinated. It’s so well organized and beautiful.
Gee’s Bend Quilts: a great little book about the history of Gee’s Bend Quilting with plenty of incredible quilt photos. It’s decently short and easily digestible.
MoTEX Tape Dispenser: the most clever design for a tape dispenser—with the turn of a knob it cuts perfect little pieces of tape. It’s just the thing for wrapping presents, or for kids!
Unrelated
Ugh I wasn’t going to give you another playlist but this one is too good: Vintage Halloween from the 50s and 60s.
I wish you many visual treats this week. I’d love to hear if you see any cool wordz out in the world. Comment below if you’d like!
CYA,
Rachel
I like the way you think.
In the vein of fun words and art, there's a street artist near me who stencils decrepit objects and interesting shapes out in the world with "NOT ART" and I am tickled by each and every one. Examples: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtpemvdOBT1/?igshid=YnF5bDgweWR1anRt
He's now doing small pieces for sale which interestingly must also not be art but some are in shops and galleries, so there you go.
Someone needs to add Kelsey Grammar next to the "Mmmbop"!