By Megan Sullivan
Assistant Circulation Editor
Many art exhibits attempt to collect pieces that have similar subject matters to help convey a deep theme such as the power of love or the importance of nature, but “Pulped Fiction” uses a combination of pieces with only one aspect in common; they are constructed entirely out of cardboard.
“Pulped Fiction” is a contemporary exhibit at the Torrance Art Museum that is a collection of the works of 13 different artists, all utilising cardboard to create unique structures that share significant moments in their lives. The diverse exhibit is imaginative and enjoyable for all viewers.
Link: The Torrance Art Museum is a center for contemporary art that features local and other artists in their various exhibits.
The artists featured in the exhibit all convey very distinct styles. Some of the artists that contributed to the exhibit include: Libby Black, DOSSHAUS, Scott Fife, Taro Hattori, Michael Stutz and Ann Weber. Although each artist displayed his or her own unique piece, the pieces were all constructed out of cardboard which unified the exhibit.
The goal of “Pulped Fiction” was to show the viewer that even though cardboard is frequently used as a practical item, it also can be utilised to create impressive art. The artists intended to demonstrate how art can be created from the simplest materials by manipulating cardboard into large and detailed sculptures.
Photos: “Pulped Fiction,” is the current installations at the Torrance Art Center
Using cardboard to produce works of art is creative idea that has not been explored very often which contributes to the exhibit’s originality. The structures are all very realistic, yet it is noticeable how fragile they are which makes their creation even more impressive. Since cardboard is such an unusual medium, each piece is individual which makes them stand out to the viewer.
Dali DIY posted this video to their YouTube channel in November of 2014 as one of many videos in a series to show how to make sculptures out of cardboard. The “Pulped Fiction” exhibit was comprised completely of cardboard structures that were created in similar ways as discussed in this video.
The pieces are so skillfully crafted that it seems almost unbelievable that they could have been made from only cardboard. This aspect of the exhibit added a whimsical ambiance. Immediately when entering the exhibit, the viewer is shocked by the detail and effort put into each piece, which ultimately enhances the viewer’s experience.
Link: DOSSHAUS is a collaborative art group that aims to explore various medias such as performance, sculpture, painting, and using other materials to create art.
Due to the range of different styles displayed, each sculpture was specific to its artist, leading to a various subject matters. For example, one piece depicting a realistic tool bench stood right next to a circular abstract piece and across from a “crashed” plane. The diversity present in this exhibit made it exciting to the viewer and ensured that there was something that appealed to everyone’s interests.
In addition to the variety of styles, each piece included a description expressing the artists’ inspiration for their works, helping the viewer appreciate the deeper meaning of the sculptures. One piece titled “Spirit” by Weber showed her definition of a life boat containing the things she deemed essential such as paint brushes, Laduree macaroons and a La Croix can. Providing this glimpse into the lives of the artist allowed the viewer to feel more connected to the works.
“Pulped Fiction” is refreshing and creative, pleasing a large variety of viewers. The unique use of cardboard combined with the outstanding talent of the artists creates unforgettable pieces that allow the viewer to feel a connection to the artist and appreciate the differences in their styles.
“Pulped Fiction” opened on Jan. 14 and is currently on display at the Torrance Art Museum where it will stay open until Mar. 4, 2017. New pieces are still being added to the exhibit.
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