What do Teddy Pendergrass and artist materials have in common? According to Mark Bradford they are both “an image left behind, ready to be deconstructed, altered and reincorporated into something new.” His piece Pinocchio is on Fire (2010) examines the development in the black community in south central Los Angeles while following Pendergrass through his own recovery after a car accident that paralyzed the singer in 1982.
(Pinocchio is on fire 2010)
This piece will be a part of Bradford’s solo exhibition, Mark Bradford which opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursday May 26; the artist will be in attendance from 6:30-9:30 pm. This not-to-be-missed event includes a large body of work that explores the histories of socioeconomic conditions in the United States.
(The Devil is Beating his Wife 2003)
While the topic and themes of the show may sound serious and heavy, Bradford effectively uses familiar, every day urban remnants, such as general media advertisements and flyers, in his paintings and installations to reference the bombardment of decaying media in the landscape of abandoned and neglected buildings. His previous works include: The Devil is beating his wife (2003), Method Man (2004), Pinocchio is on fire (2010).
(Method Man 2004)
In 2008 I had the privilege to work as a research assistant to Bradford at an artist-in-residency program at Artpace San Antonio. Being able to witness and assist in the creation of a new piece was a great and inspiring experience, and I am excited to see the rest of his work on display at the MCA. Mark is a really friendly, approachable person, and I encourage all to attend the opening and talk to him if you have a chance.
Museum tickets are $20 for non-members and free for members.
They are available online at: https://boxoffice.mcachicago.org/public/show_events_list.asp?shCode=409
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Hours:
Tuesday 10 am- 8 pm
Wednesday through Sunday 10 am- 5pm
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day: Closed
Admission is FREE all day on Tuesdays year round.
For more information contact
Monica Wojtyna:
312.397.3831
mwojtyna@mcachicago.org
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