Allan McCollum: Works Since 1969

Allan McCollum is an American artist who has created works that examine the relationship between art objects, uniqueness, context, and value. His celebrated works have a significant impact on the understanding of the role of art and material culture in society. This book traces his career through illustrations, supplementary material, and texts, focusing on three key components: early work, "regional projects," and the artist's most iconic series.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2021
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

Allan McCollum, an American artist renowned for his boundary-pushing work since the late 1960s, has created a body of art that delves into the intricate relationship between art objects, uniqueness, context, value, and the institutions that collect, preserve, and interpret them. His artistic practice explores the complexities of art and material culture, challenging the boundaries between individual pieces and mass production.

Since the late 1960s, McCollum's artistic journey has been marked by a series of groundbreaking works that have garnered international acclaim. His early works, dating back to the 1960s, laid the foundation for his exploration of the art object's relationship to uniqueness, context, and value. These early pieces, often characterized by their raw and unrefined aesthetic, challenged traditional notions of art and craftsmanship.

Throughout his career, McCollum has undertaken regional projects that bring his artistic vision to diverse communities and contexts. These projects often involve collaborations with local artists, community members, and institutions, fostering a sense of cultural exchange and dialogue. McCollum's regional projects have explored themes such as identity, history, and the environment, creating immersive and thought-provoking experiences for viewers.

One of McCollum's most iconic series is his "Totem" sculptures, which have become synonymous with his artistic identity. These sculptures, made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and found objects, are characterized by their abstract forms and intricate patterns. McCollum's "Totem" sculptures have been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, and they continue to inspire and intrigue viewers with their enigmatic presence.

In addition to his artistic achievements, McCollum has been a prolific scholar and educator. His writings and lectures have contributed to the broader understanding of art and material culture, and he has been a visiting professor at several prestigious art institutions.

"Allan McCollum: Works since 1969," a comprehensive book that accompanies a major survey of the artist's work, offers a deep dive into McCollum's decades-long career. The book includes new scholarship, documentary material, and in-depth information on McCollum's artistic practice, providing a broader historical and theoretical interpretation of his important practice.

McCollum's celebrated works can be interpreted in infinite ways, and they have had a significant impact on the understanding of the role of art and material culture in society. His art challenges the boundaries between individual expression and collective identity, and it encourages viewers to engage with objects on a deeper level.

Throughout his career, McCollum has explored various economies and contexts that structure collections and presentations of objects. He is interested in how material artifacts become charged with meaning, and he understands these objects as vehicles of self-assurance and self-representation within communities. McCollum's art encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships with objects, and it fosters a sense of empathy and understanding between different cultures and societies.

In conclusion, Allan McCollum's artistic practice is a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and material culture. His works since the late 1960s have explored the complex relationship between art objects, uniqueness, context, value, and the institutions that collect, preserve, and interpret them. Through his regional projects and iconic series, McCollum has challenged traditional notions of art and craftsmanship, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue. His art has had a significant impact on the understanding of the role of art and material culture in society, and it continues to inspire and intrigue viewers with its enigmatic presence. McCollum's legacy as an artist and scholar will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 1136g
Dimension: 223 x 288 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942884934