About The Work
General Idea was both prolific and multi-disciplinary (way before it became de rigueur) creating works in a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, performances, installations and (perhaps most notably) artist multiples. Their approach and many of their creations addressed or challenged ‘the myth of the individual genius’. One of their frequent motifs was hijacking established icons or tropes and replacing them with new symbols that celebrated or referenced the contribution of General Idea.
Flags, crests and emblems were the ideal methods to perpetuate their ideas. In "Nine Lives" a trio of copyright skulls becomes a macabre and stylized group portrait (many GI creations depict three elements or characters which may or may not be a representation of the three artists) or the flag of some sports team, evil corporation etc. General Idea's works frequently have art, consumerism and iconography confront each other in curious ways. AA Bronson once explained, “General Idea was at once complicit in and critical of the mechanisms and strategies that join art and commerce, a sort of mole in the art world.”
Courtesy of Caviar20
About General Idea
From The Magazine
Serigraph on nylon flag
59.00 x 39.00 in
149.9 x 99.1 cm
From the signed edition of 60
About The Work
General Idea was both prolific and multi-disciplinary (way before it became de rigueur) creating works in a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, performances, installations and (perhaps most notably) artist multiples. Their approach and many of their creations addressed or challenged ‘the myth of the individual genius’. One of their frequent motifs was hijacking established icons or tropes and replacing them with new symbols that celebrated or referenced the contribution of General Idea.
Flags, crests and emblems were the ideal methods to perpetuate their ideas. In "Nine Lives" a trio of copyright skulls becomes a macabre and stylized group portrait (many GI creations depict three elements or characters which may or may not be a representation of the three artists) or the flag of some sports team, evil corporation etc. General Idea's works frequently have art, consumerism and iconography confront each other in curious ways. AA Bronson once explained, “General Idea was at once complicit in and critical of the mechanisms and strategies that join art and commerce, a sort of mole in the art world.”
Courtesy of Caviar20
About General Idea
From The Magazine
Includes title card in black card box
59"W 39"H (Flag)
8.4"W 4"D 1.75"H (Box)
Published by Helga Maria Klosterfelde/Gessellschaft
Very good condition
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