Tag Archives: Contemporary Art

“The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” is Frightening But Also Very Philosophical

Damien Hirst's famous sculpture challenges us to contemplate death and its meaning

Damien Hirst is a world-renowned contemporary artist who specializes in creating works that shock the senses. His 1991 sculpture titled “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” is perhaps the best example of his shocking brand … Continue reading

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Keith Haring’s Paintings Depict Joy and Sorrow

A gay artist gives a distinctive look to his community

Keith Haring, who specialized in contemporary art during the AIDS pandemic, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1958. He was a gifted artist from an early age, drawing his first inspirations from childhood idols such as Walt Disney … Continue reading

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“Strange Fruit (for David)” by Zoe Leonard Breathes New Life Into Death

Still Life tradition gets a makeover with this time-based memento mori installation

“Strange Fruit (for David)” by artist Zoe Leonard is as tender and fragile as it is innovative and…sometimes smelly. This installation comprises “Orange, banana, grapefruit, lemon, and avocado peels with thread, zippers, buttons, sinew, needles, plastic, wire, stickers, fabric, and trim … Continue reading

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No Body There: The Empty Bed And The HIV/AIDS Crisis

Felix Gonzalez-Torres' billboard installation "Untitled" speaks to love and loss

Between February 20th and March 18th of 1991, 24 billboards throughout Manhattan showcased the monochrome image of an unmade double bed with rumpled sheets and depressions of a head in the center of each of the two pillows. No explanation accompanied the image; … Continue reading

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Artist Dario Robleto: Heaven is Being a Memory to Others

Contemporary Artist Dario Robleto explores the relationship between death and memory

The 2008 Frye Art Museum exhibit, Heaven is Being a Memory to Others, provided a space for artists to present pieces about death, life and memory in conversation – particularly artists like Dario Robleto. The show was described as having … Continue reading

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Artist Bruce Nauman and The End-of-Life Electric

What does it mean to render life, death and humanity in neon?

In the late 1970s, Indiana native Bruce Nauman emerged as one of the key players in America’s contemporary art scene. Like many of his peers, Nauman’s art knew no fixed medium – he worked in print, sculpture, video and even … Continue reading

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