"Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)
| Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) | |
|---|---|
_by_Felix_Gonzalez-Torres.jpg) A man taking a piece from the work. | |
| Artist | Félix González-Torres |
| Year | 1991 |
| Weight | 175lb |
| Location | Art Institute of Chicago |
Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) also known as the "candy spill,"[1] is a work of art produced by Félix González-Torres produced in 1991.[2] It consists of a pile of candies. Dimensions vary with installation however it ideally weighs 175lb, per Torres' vision.[2] Viewers are encouraged to take a piece of the candy.
Background
In 1988, Torres' partner Ross Laycock was diagnosed with AIDS and died of it, the same year as Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)'s creation.[3][4][a] The piece serves as an "allegorical portrait," of Laycock's life.[3]
Description and showcase
Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) consists of a pile of candies individually wrapped in multicolor cellophane.[2] When displayed the pile of candies should ideally weigh 175lb—Laycock’s body weight when healthy.[3] Viewers are encouraged to take a piece and the artwork’s owner are to decide if it will be replenished.[3] Photos are discouraged, possibly due to the subject matter at hand.[5]
Art handlers at the Art Insitiute of Chicago, recalled that "During very busy periods, [we] may replenish the pile twice weekly, with approximately 45 pounds being added to the sculpture."[3] "On average, we add 15 or 20 pounds weekly." Sometimes the handlers would add candies to rebalance the piece’s color.[3]
As of 2019 the piece is featured in multiple art museums around the world.[6]
Interpretations
Jennifer Tucker of Sartle described it as "cannibalistic," and "religious," noting how "By taking a piece, you are taking Ross with you, thus making him omnipresent."[7] Others like Lauren Weinberg of Time Out Chicago interpreted it similarly: "the diminishment recalls how he wasted away before dying."[3] The Art Story Foundation viewed the candy eating aspect as "[one becoming] complicit in the disappearing process - akin to the years-long public health crisis of HIV/AIDS."[1]
Legacy
The Art Story Foundation called Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) "one of Gonzalez-Torres's most recognizable works."[1]
References
- ^ a b c "Gonzalez-Torres Artworks & Famous Paintings". The Art Story. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
- ^ a b c Staff, Public Delivery (2016-11-16). "Why did Félix González-Torres put free candy in a museum?". Public Delivery. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e f g Weinberg, Lauren (March 19, 2013). "Art Institute candy sculpture | What's up with that?". Time Out Chicago. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Diamond, Shawn (2016). "Requiem for the shadows: Poetry, spirituality, and future memory in the light strings of Felix Gonzalez-Torres". Retrieved July 18, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Eckardt, Stephanie (March 13, 2016). "Felix Gonzalez-Torres's Candy Installation at the Met Breuer". W. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Ankus, Justin (November 17, 2019). ""Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) Felix Gonzalez-Torres | Urban Splatter". Urban Splatter. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Tucker, Jennifer (2016-07-21). "Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) [Felix Gonzalez-Torres]". Sartle. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)