avaf (which is requested to be written in lowercase) is a group of anonymous artists who work within the theme of popular culture. It is difficult to find information on the artists themselves, although it seems they are based in Brazil, and have been displaying works from 2002 onwards.
The group uses references to popular culture in their works, “sampling images, words, video and music” from their own work and other artists.
They use techniques common to Pop Art works, including collage, comic and ad styled imagery and repetition reminiscent of mass-production. Their works are mixed media, and appear to cover all available space in galleries. These are installations which encourage interactivity from the audience, who are given freedom to do what they want within the space. The works are “ever-changing” because of the encouragement to add to them.
The nature of popular culture is reflected well in these works. They are energetic, changing pieces that create a sense of speed. They show instant communication with recognisable imagery, as well as symbolism of the ‘Kitsch’ as described by Clement Greenberg.
“popular, commercial art and literature with their chromotypes, magazine covers, illustrations, ads, slick and pulp fiction, comics, Tin pan Alley music, tap dancing, Hollywood movies, etc, etc.” –Clement Greenberg.
A key question brought up by these works is the notion of authorship, where it belongs and what needs to happen for authorship to change. The use of concepts or images by other artists creates the usual arguments on whether the work is an appropriation, designed to change the nature of how we view the original, or an idea that goes off on a tangent to the first.The fact that this is a group of artists working together also changes the dynamic, particularly because they do not identify themselves as individuals within a group, but under a collective name. Personal recognition does not appear important.
This is an article of art and popular culture, that refers to avaf (2nd last paragraph)http://quazen.com/arts/popular-culture-vs-contemporary-art/
Images from a number of their shows.
http://www.cheapcream.com/
An interview with them, also has exhibition information
http://www.cheapcream.com/text_interview1.html
More info
http://oneartworld.com/artists/A/assume+vivid+astro+focus.html
No comments:
Post a Comment