U.S.S. Mall
Artist David Odyke's contribution to the Greater New York 2005 exhibition at P.S.1 is a witty, yet political sculpture called U.S.S. Mall. The piece resembles a scale model of an aircraft carrier with two differences: the underside is more rock than smooth, manufactured steel and the top is comprised of parking lots with big-box retail, hence its name.
It's not difficult to decipher the work's meaning, though the relationship between our war efforts and our way of life is something that definitely needs to be spoken about more than it is. This artwork is perhaps a start.
It's not difficult to decipher the work's meaning, though the relationship between our war efforts and our way of life is something that definitely needs to be spoken about more than it is. This artwork is perhaps a start.
Or maybe it's just a glib potshot at the easiest targets in contemporary art - the military and consumer culture. Sure it must have taken a lot of time and patience to glue all those HO scale cars onto the carrier deck, but does it really say anything interesting or new about the subject? Um, no.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have discovered Opdyke. This piece was in his two-person show at the Corcoran. The detail of his work is impressive!
ReplyDeleteor maybe you know all about him... didn't think of that.
ReplyDeleteThat's the first Opdyke I've seen. Hope I see more in person.
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