Paul McCarthy: Three Sculptures - Lévy Gorvy

Paul McCarthy: Three SculpturesExhibitions

Los Angeles
September 25 - November 6, 2010

Paul McCarthy: Three Sculptures

Train, Mechanical (2003-2010) is a fully automated tour-de-force that features a George Bush/pirate hybrid mounting a pig from behind, while another pig humps the same pig’s skull, finding aural penetration. This scenario then repeats itself in a figurative “train.” The work finds visual precedent in earlier sculptures with the same cast of characters and related configurations, such as Train, Mechanical, Pig Island (2007), Mountain (2009) and Static (2004-2009). All of these works stem from Pig Island; this perpetual work in progress, inspired by the Disney ride Pirates of the Caribbean, emphasizes process as sculpture. Many sculptures were spawned from this fertile environment full of political satire, cultural commentary, and playful experimentation with various modes of art production. In Train, Mechanical, McCarthy has also found inspiration from an ongoing fascination with carnival rides and mechanized mannequins, first seen in his seminal work The Garden (1991-1992). Train, Mechanical takes this early interest to new heights. Here, one experiences fully articulated body parts, right down to the male figure’s pursed lips and the pigs heaving chest – all in the service of a mesmerizing tableau that redefines sculptural form.

Selected Works

  • Ship of Fools, Ship Adrift
    2010
    Photography: Joshua White/JWPictures.com

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  • Apple Tree Boy Apple Tree Girl
    2010

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  • Train, Mechanical
    2003-2010

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Selected Press

Vernissage TV | Paul McCarthy: Three Sculptures / Inaugural Exhibition at L&M Arts Gallery, Los Angeles

October 5, 2010

On September 25, 2010, New York gallery L&M Arts opened a branch in Los Angeles. The inaugural exhibition …

ART OBSERVED | Go See – Los Angeles: Paul McCarthy ‘Three Sculptures’ at L & M Arts through November 6, 2010

October 4, 2010

L & M Arts is currently celebrating the inauguration of their Los Angeles branch with ‘Three Sculptures;’ …

L.A. Weekly Critic's Choices | Paul McCarthy

September 9, 2010

Train, Mechanical (2003-2010) is a fully automated tour-de-force that features a George Bush/pirate hybrid …

LA WEEKLY | Paul McCarthy: Three New Sculptures

September 1, 2010

Powerhouse modern and contemporary gallery L&M Arts opens a West Coast bureau, inaugurating its expansive …

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