Edward Kienholz

He has been labeled a "raging satirist." For those of us who are sympathetic to his values he was keenly and simply to the point. While he is most often historically linked to Surrealism, German Dada, Marcel Duchamp and Joseph Cornell, there are clear points of departure. While Duchamp chose new store-bought materials for his readymades, Kienholz wanted to retain human memory in discards such as photographs, torn bits of fabric, or worn furniture that he scavenged for use in sculptures, tableaux and environments. Cornell’s boxes are subtle delicate, whereas Kienholz’ assemblages shock the viewer’s awareness. In terms of content, the tradition of Goya’s and Daumier’s theme of man’s inhumanity to man seems most to the point…

A Concept Tableau had three parts. The first part consisted of a metal plaque inscribed with the title, date of conception, and artist’s name; a framed description of the finished tableau; and a contract defining the option to buy the work in two additional parts. The second part was a drawing of the project, and the third part was the environment or installation itself…

ASSEMBLAGE & INSTALLATION ARTIST

Many works online

Holdin’ the Dog