Cuban-born, Los Angeles-based artist Jorge Pardo often uses elements of architecture and design to create his artwork, blurring the lines between fine art and functional objects - such as lamps, which often appear in his work. While no lamps are included in his new installation at Friedrich Petzel, architectural and design aspects are present in his "labyrinth of interlocking structures." According to the press release, "[t]his work continues Pardo's interest in appropriating domestic architectural elements that are alluring, practical, and continuously question the viewer's definition and expectation of what one may consider traditional fine art."
Like a towering, elaborate sort of trellis forming various pathways within the gallery, Pardo's installation is dotted with images of nature and pop culture culled from the internet. Images of the British and Japanese royal families, Fidel Castro, animals, pit bulls, dogs dressed up as hotdogs, and landscapes are scattered throughout the maze-like structure. The installation is mesmerizing as you travel through the narrow passageways and study the assorted images that shift from cute, nostalgic and/or funny to disturbing and upsetting. The paths also lead viewers to four separate wall hangings featuring colorful, kaleidoscopic patterns. With this intricate, immersive work, "Pardo addresses issues of space and environment, the valuations of objects and artworks, questioning where art ends and real life begins." Learn more at Petzel.com and at Jorgepardosculpture.com. Through June 19th.
Untitled, 2010, MDF and acrylic
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