In the heart of New York City’s financial district, an unconventional art sanctuary emerges on the entire 19th floor of an unoccupied space. Amidst the towering skyscrapers, Christopher Wool’s exhibition, See Stop Run, breaks free from the confines of traditional gallery spaces, embracing the cityscape as an integral part of its narrative. Curated by Anne Pontégnie, this immersive showcase invites visitors to delve into Wool’s multifaceted world, where art and environment intertwine seamlessly.
Wool, born in 1955, has etched his name as a luminary in the American art scene, his journey marked by innovation and boundary-pushing creativity. Hailing from Chicago, he migrated to the vibrant streets of New York City in the early 1970s, laying the groundwork for a career that would redefine contemporary art. His oeuvre spans a spectrum of mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and mosaic, each bearing the imprint of his distinct aesthetic vision.
The exhibition, spanning a staggering 18,000 square feet, serves as a testament to Wool’s prowess in navigating the complexities of image-making. His work transcends conventional categorizations, seamlessly blending disparate mediums to create a symphony of visual stimuli. Through a meticulous interplay of form and concept, Wool invites viewers into a realm where boundaries blur and artistic expression knows no limits.
Untitled (Billboard Graz), 1991/2019
Set of eight framed offset lithographs on paper
941/2 × 133 7/8 inches
At the core of Wool’s artistic lexicon lies his iconic word paintings, characterized by bold, stenciled letters adorning pristine white canvases. Inspired by the raw energy of urban graffiti, Wool’s creations pulsate with a visceral intensity, each stroke reverberating with the rhythm of the city streets. Words like “TRBL” and “DRNK” leap from the canvas, demanding to be heard, their fragmented syntax echoing the cacophony of modern existence.
Yet, Wool’s artistic repertoire extends far beyond the realm of wordplay. Collaborating with fellow artist Robert Gober in 1988, Wool unveiled his seminal text-based painting, Apocalypse Now, a haunting reflection on the human condition inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s magnum opus. Through a delicate dance of form and substance, Wool delves into the depths of collective consciousness, his work serving as a mirror to society’s triumphs and tribulations.
However, Wool’s artistic journey is not confined to the realm of the canvas. His foray into photography, particularly his nocturnal explorations of New York City’s streets, offers a glimpse into the hidden rhythms of urban life. In East Broadway Breakdown, Wool captures the city’s nocturnal pulse, each photograph a testament to the ephemeral beauty of the urban landscape.
Over the years, Wool’s contributions to the art world have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him accolades such as the Wolfgang Hahn Prize and the prestigious amfAR Award of Excellence for Artistic Contributions to the Fight Against AIDS. His retrospectives at esteemed institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, stand as testaments to his enduring influence on the contemporary art landscape.
In the realm of the art market, Wool’s creations command staggering prices, with his word paintings fetching millions at prestigious auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Riot, a monumental black and white masterpiece, fetched nearly $30 million at Sotheby’s New York, underscoring the enduring allure of Wool’s artistic legacy.
As See Stop Run unfolds against the backdrop of New York City’s skyline, Christopher Wool invites us to embark on a journey of introspection and revelation. Through his immersive installation, Wool reminds us that art is not merely a reflection of reality but a catalyst for transformation, each brushstroke a testament to the enduring power of human creativity in an ever-changing world.
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