Sarasota, Florida
After passing through the Ringling’s beautifully decorated Baroque galleries, viewers encountered “Re:Purposed,” a show of 21st-century art with a Baroque exuberance. Curator Matthew McLendon brought together disparate works that incorporate both ordinary and exotic detritus. He cites Marcel Duchamp’s readymades as an inspiration—several early Duchamp pieces are in the collection. Following Duchamp’s lead, the artists in “Re:Purposed” create with trash and throw-away objects. In addition to the superstars of recycled materials—Nick Cave, represented by several of his exuberantly innovative “Soundsuits,” and El Anatsui, represented by two of his monumental wall hangings—“Re:Purposed” also gathered works by less well-known practitioners. Aurora Robson’s Blood, Guts, and Glory and Hot Mess deceived at first with their beautiful drawings of red flowers and leaves. Closer inspection revealed the very political texts scattered through the petals. …see the entire review in the print version of November’s Sculpture magazine.
