Bagit!
By Matuschka
Published by Hardpress Editions, Lenox Mass
A unique postcard and print book
consisting of 29 Image (two times)
Introduction by Anthony Haden Guest
Price: $29.95
A Pulitzer nominee, whose accolades
include the prize winning 1993 cover of
New York Times Sunday Magazine,
The Rachael Carson Award for her work
addressing environmental concerns
and a Gold Award from the World Press
Foundation Matuschka has been a dynamic
presence in the NYC art world since
the 70s. The shopping bag pieces in
Bagit! mark a new start for the artist,
mostly known for posing herself and
photographing her image in the manner of
Penn or Avedon.
The materials Matuschka uses in Bagit!
are just that, empty shopping bags.
The sex appeal of luxury products and
brand name obsession is based on the
gospel of consumerism: I am what I buy.
Or as Matuschka puts it:
"You are what you bag."
In Bagit! Matuschka is savvy enough to
add humor and irony to a culture
consumed with labels, logos and shopping
Her play on 'the bag' is casual
and at times at odds with the sensuality
and noose-like appearance of the
rope that seems to dance effortlessly
across these pages. An unusual art book and great gift item
consisting of 58 tear out postcards
and prints. |
