F46-2
Conceptual artist China Adams has been a beauty queen, eaten human flesh and sold the rights to her body parts all for the sake of art. Notarizing the whole process along the way to prove it. Lipsticktracez sits down with this dynamic artist to talk about the future of her work.
When did you start making art?
In earnest, 1993 (although I always made stuff when I was growing up).
Was your family supportive to your creative endeavors?
Yes, I have been very fortunate in this regard.
The themes of possessions, secrecy and ownership come up in your work? When did you start working with the notarized statements?
1996. Theoretically, the notary is proof that the “work” (or the description of the work) has been recognized in the eyes of the state. This acknowledgment is a device I hoped would highlight (and question) the basic artist's concern for an audience. As artists we certainly crave acknowledgment of our production. I think it’s an interesting question to ponder, the degree to which recognition gives meaning to our lives and helps us define ourselves. More grandly, I hoped the notaries would hint at a larger more existential notion about the function (or purpose) of lives more generally. The desire for acknowledgment and some outside understanding (to give our lives meaning) seems fairly universal.
Your work questions the role of collector, artist and gallery? Tell me about this idea of authenticity in your work?
When did you start making art?
In earnest, 1993 (although I always made stuff when I was growing up).
Was your family supportive to your creative endeavors?
Yes, I have been very fortunate in this regard.
The themes of possessions, secrecy and ownership come up in your work? When did you start working with the notarized statements?
1996. Theoretically, the notary is proof that the “work” (or the description of the work) has been recognized in the eyes of the state. This acknowledgment is a device I hoped would highlight (and question) the basic artist's concern for an audience. As artists we certainly crave acknowledgment of our production. I think it’s an interesting question to ponder, the degree to which recognition gives meaning to our lives and helps us define ourselves. More grandly, I hoped the notaries would hint at a larger more existential notion about the function (or purpose) of lives more generally. The desire for acknowledgment and some outside understanding (to give our lives meaning) seems fairly universal.
Your work questions the role of collector, artist and gallery? Tell me about this idea of authenticity in your work?