Artist Nick Cave’s new work is inspired by early 20th-century “black inflammatory objects [that] demoralize a race through design.” As Hrag Vartanian reported at Hyperallergic “The role of design as a tool of American white supremacy is a fascinating topic… It makes you wonder how much of the history of American design has been whitewashed by the removal of context.”
The Jack Shainman Gallery in New York City is presenting Cave’s new work at two of its locations in Chelsea. The exhibition “Made for Whites by Whites” at the West 20th Street gallery, was inspired when Cave found a container at a flea market shaped like the head of a black man and labeled ‘Spittoon.’ This initial shock drove Cave into the present work which fuses stereotypical “negro” figures with flowers, birds, and twisting strands of beads. Nick Cave’s exhibitions will be accompanied by a series of programs that are free and open to the public. Visit Jack Shainman Gallery, to learn more.
