303 Gallery

Marxism

29 Jun - 03 Aug 2012

Photo by Vandamm Studio Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
MARXISM
29 June - 3 August 2012

303 Gallery will present Marxism, an exhibition that examines the sociopolitical impact of the rebellious humor of the Marx Brothers - Chico, Groucho, Gummo, Harpo, and Zeppo - in relation to artwork by a gang of five contemporary artists - Marcel Duchamp, Jack Goldstein, Rodney Graham, Tim Lee and Richard Prince. The Marx Brothers are known for their subversive satire that cleverly addresses political and social issues with a touch of slapstick or a "honk honk" of Harpo's horn. Their beloved films continue to make people laugh with their particular brand of anarchic humor, where everything is taken literally and humor acts as a defense against the woes of the world. From Groucho's iconic mustache, glasses, and cigar to Chico's phony Italian accent and Harpo's squeaky walking stick, the Marx Brothers are unparalleled entertainers immortalized for their wit and use of simple props to address topics ranging from love and war to show business with a staunchly anti-authoritarian stance. Duchamp, Goldstein, Graham, Lee and Prince are similar innovators and provocateurs in the world of contemporary art, who have made work that relates to or references themes in the Marx Brothers' oeuvre. The exhibition will present works by each of the four artists as well as a large collection of historical material relating to the Marx Brothers, including films, photographs, records and props.

Participating Artists:

Chico Marx, Marcel Duchamp, Groucho Marx, Jack Goldstein, Gummo Marx, Rodney Graham, Harpo Marx, Tim Lee, Zeppo Marx, Richard Prince

Curated by Jacob and Jens Hoffman

303 Gallery represents the work of Doug Aitken, Valentin Carron, Anne Chu, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Ceal Floyer, Karel Funk, Maureen Gallace, Tim Gardner, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Rodney Graham, Mary Heilmann, Jeppe Hein, Jacob and Jens Hoffman, Larry Johnson, Matt Johnson, Karen Kilimnik, Florian Maier-Aichen, Nick Mauss, Mike Nelson, Kristin Oppenheim, Eva Rothschild, Collier Schorr, Stephen Shore, Sue Williams, Jane and Louise Wilson,
 

Tags: Doug Aitken, Valentin Carron, Anne Chu, Marcel Duchamp, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Ceal Floyer, Karel Funk, Maureen Gallace, Li Gang, Tim Gardner, Jack Goldstein, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Rodney Graham, Mary Heilmann, Jeppe Hein, Matt Johnson, Larry Johnson, Karen Kilimnik, Tim Lee, Florian Maier-Aichen, Florian Maier–aichen, Nick Mauss, Mike Nelson, Kristin Oppenheim, Richard Prince, Eva Rothschild, Collier Schorr, Stephen Shore, Sue Williams, Jane and Louise Wilson