Our currently semi-vagabond lifestyle dictates that Mr. Forager and I travel light. Any purchase of a new object is always weighed against whether it’s truly necessary, how much room it will take up when in transit, or if it is too beautiful/wonderful/amazing to live without. In his work, Illinois artist Chad Wys takes on our obsession with possession, questioning whether we can truly possess a piece of artwork, what our possessions say about us, and how we objectify the world around us.
Arrangement in Skintones, c-print ( edition of 10 ), 30×30
Nocturne 111, c-print, 24×30
When we purchase a piece of artwork, what is our motive? I believe the majority of art is acquired for aesthetic reasons– something about the work, whether it be the subject, the colors or the composition, appeals to us. But what about artwork that doesn’t appeal, isn’t pretty? Is it any less valuable?
Golden Tea Party, paint on found porcelain, 8.5x7x5.5
Opus 1, c-print
And what do the objects we possess say about who we are? And what makes the things we own or the things our ancestors owned so special? Or are they not really special at all?
To see more of Chad Wys’s work, please visit his website.
Thank you to artsocial for reminding about this artist! All images are via the artist’s website.
Erin
January 15, 2013 at 2:50 PMOh my, I love Chad Wys!! That Opus 1 c-print is out of control. You bring up so many great questions in this post! I think what draws me to a particular artist is originality. I mean, everything has been done before but if an artist can put their own unique spin or mark on their work, that’s when I take notice… it definitely doesn’t have to be pretty for me to fall in luurve, just creative.
Thanks for the lil’ shout out 🙂
Lesley
January 15, 2013 at 7:21 PMI completely agree! His work is brilliant. I’m seeing more work crop up by artists who are deconstructing masters like this, but his work remains original in thought and execution.
And of course, you’re very welcome for the shout out! 😉