Josephine Meckseper
Through February 6, 2010

Josephine Meckseper’s work engages leftist theories and politics in a consumerist reality by examining the semantics of media propaganda as well as capitalist sales and advertising strategies. Curated by associate curator Rachel Hooper, the exhibition at Blaffer Gallery focuses on the artist’s recent works that examine the conflicting interests of the mass media, politicians, and the oil and auto industries as played out in the Iraq War. Among the pieces on display are Meckseper’s documentary photographs of antiwar protests; her signature mannequin and product display installations; a video; and a new installation created on site — a replication of the stage sets used during U.S. presidential television debates.

Jon Pylypchuk
Through February 6, 2010!

Jon Pylypchuk’s work lays bare the frailty of human existence and the fragility of social relationships. A contemporary fabulist, Pylypchuk creates heart-wrenching stories of attraction and repulsion, love and loss, pleasure
and pain, triumph and failure. Endowed with human attributes, yet endearing in their pet-like cuteness, Pylypchuk’s hybrid creatures inspire empathy. Their experiences and struggles speak to the pathetic banality, stubborn determination, and relentless optimism that define many of our paths through life, that unfolding tragicomedy of epic proportion. Curated by Director and Chief Curator Claudia Schmuckli, this exhibition presents a ten year survey of Pylypchuk’s career, including 75 works created since 1999.