ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!
*

Enter the cardboard art studio

Published by

Acclaimed artist Tom Burckhardt is certainly no stranger to the concept of making something out of nothing. In his paintings, a selection of which will be on display at a solo show taking place at the Tibor De Nagy Gallery in New York later this year, he has used everything from recycled book covers to discarded paint cans as canvases, with the idea that he is questioning the boundaries of the painting surface and asking “Where does the abstraction end and the figuration begin.” Perhaps his most celebrated work thus far, however has been the ambitious and unique “FULL STOP” project, which replicates an artists's studio in incredible detail, using nothing more than cardboard, black paint and glue.

*

The full-scale replica was first created by Burckhardt back in 2004, and has been touring museums across the world ever since. It includes everything from tables, chairs and art supplies (brushes, easels and cans) to canvases, wall decorations and even a (non working) sink, all of which are constructed out of cardboard, held together by hot glue, and given depth by subtle lashings of black paint. The effect is like walking into a heavily stylised cartoon. The installation is filled with historical art references such as Edward Hopper's potbellied stove, Jasper Johns's coffee can, Willem de Kooning's record player, and Jackson Pollock's shoes; and includes windows that look offer views of the New York skyline.

The full-scale replica was first created by Burckhardt back in 2004, and has been touring museums across the world ever since

Burckhardt himself, said of the FULL STOP project, that “The walk-through environment is full of the clutter and paraphernalia of the modern painter, toiling in romantic obscurity against the existential void.” Except in this case he or she doesn't appear to be succeeding. The idea is that “A basic lack of ideas has crippled production despite having all the right materials: tools, art supplies, art books, and postcards of the past masters' work at hand.”

*

So in essence, is it a work about a creative block? Partly, but the artist prefers to see it as a personal “Life mould.” He explains that “All this stuff (in the studio) has been touched and used and lived in. And then there's this big absence in the middle; a double absence. One is the absence of any creative work actually getting done. And the other absence is the artist.” The work also marks something of a sea change for Burckhardt, who is more widely known for his paintings. He said his inspiration for moving beyond the canvas was that he was “Feeling kind of frustrated with painting” and wanted to do “Something more long-term,” that he could really sink his teeth into. He's also added to the project since first finishing it back in 2004. He said he has ”Actually made a cardboard laptop, with emails about trying to get tech help, get grant applications, and whatever.” So not exactly an empowering object then Tom?

Burckhardt himself, said of the project, that “The walk-through environment is full of the clutter and paraphernalia of the modern painter”

FULL STOP was on display most recently at the Columbus College of Art & Design last year, between the 28th of August and the 20th of November. It's longest residency, however, was at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. That museum's curatorial director, Jessica Hough, said that FULL STOP was “Filled with historical art references,” and called is a “Fresh commentary on a perennial problem” that was “At once playful and painful.” Where it will be displayed next is anyone's guess. Here's hoping for a London debut.

*

Comments

More Leaders

*

Leaders

Inspiring Female Leaders: An Interview with RAPP CEO Gabrielle Ludzker

Gabrielle Ludzker is not just any CEO. The current head honcho at customer experience agency RAPP has spent her career breaking away from the traditional corporate CEO stereotype. and leads to inspire rule breakers. Gabby is an inspirational rule...

Posted by: Benjamin Hiorns
ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!