Kathryn Andrews
The Death of Looking - Artist as Brand
Course Detail
DescriptionIn this course, conceptual artist Kathryn Andrews examines the 20th-century phenomenon of the rise of the artist as both cult figure and branded commodity, while exploring how recognition impacts the very act of looking. Systematically citing a history of artists who have resisted commodification, Andrews argues for creative strategies that elude the market’s definitions, in pursuit of more complex ways of seeing.Meet the PresenterKathryn AndrewsKathryn Andrews: Deconstructing the Excesses of Capitalism
Los Angeles–based artist Kathryn Andrews is known for her wicked ready-mades that challenge the excesses of capitalism and the spectacle of the established art market. Drawing inspiration from the collisions of shine and grit in her city, Andrews creates sculptures that expose and deconstruct the materialistic tendencies of our society.
With inflections of pop art and minimalism, Andrews’ work has often been compared to the ready-mades of Marcel Duchamp. However, she brings a contemporary twist to this artistic tradition by incorporating elements of celebrity culture. To create her sculptures, Andrews rents materials from Southern California celebrity-themed shops, such as a t-shirt worn by Brad Pitt or a wedding ring donned by Ashton Kutcher. By using these props, whose value is derived solely from their association with fame, Andrews challenges the notion of precious materials and questions the commodification of celebrity.
But Andrews doesn’t stop there. After completing her sculptures, she returns the rented props, tearing down the assemblages in a sly evasion of the art world’s investment in permanent pieces and tangible products. This act of deconstruction further emphasizes her critique of capitalism and its fixation on material possessions.
Through her work, Andrews invites viewers to question the value we place on objects and the role of celebrity in our society. By deconstructing and exposing the excesses of capitalism, she challenges us to reconsider our own relationship with consumerism and the allure of fame.
Andrews’ thought-provoking sculptures have been exhibited in renowned museums and institutions around the world, where they continue to captivate audiences with their sharp social commentary. Her work serves as a reminder that art has the power to not only reflect our society but also to challenge and reshape it. As she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, Kathryn Andrews remains a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue surrounding capitalism, materialism, and the pursuit of fame.