‘Painter’ is one of my favorite things. Made by Paul McCarthy in 1995, this video is a wicked parody of the art world and abstract expressionism. McCarthy plays an abstract painter with a giant bulbous cartoon nose in a room with giant paints and paintbrushes. He throws the paint around with his trademark messiness, mumbling incoherently or wildly moaning “DeKooning! DeKooning!” At one point he goes to his art dealer, demanding the money he claims she owes him. When he doesn’t get it he destroys priceless artwork on her walls and goes back to painting. He appears to get so frustrated with his work he starts chopping off his giant cartoon-like fingers. Later he appears on an art-world talk show, sans fingers, and then winds up back at his dealer’s waiting for a buyer to come over and greet him by kissing his ass. Turn off your cell phone, relax, and enjoy the insanity. - Adam Baran
Posted by Adam on Friday, August 21, 2009 |
ben added on August 23, 2009 :
Paul McCarthy is one of my heroes. An amazing performer and visual artist.
Ben added on August 23, 2009 :
Great choice! McCarthy is a master
Nu Age added on August 22, 2009 :
i can understand why in 95 Mcarthy was so huge, he had defy in one single performance many of the limits we considered to be Art. For many he’s cartoon vision of a demented artist who performs amongst other things Mutilation was a natural step out the art market that had become a safe clean zone, For me was a nightmare that could become true at any time and a very repulsive medium form. to this day i can’t watch it to the end. i’m afraid i might start cutting myself off to! ; )
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graydon added on August 21, 2009 :
I saw this in Denmark at Louisiana Museum a few years ago – it was so mesmerizing and terrifying. The nightmare that is art!