Tony Tasset Reveals the Deterioration of the World’s Canvas

Tony Tasset: Examining the Dichotomy of Accessibility and Critique in Contemporary Art

CHICAGO — Tony Tasset’s work often oscillates between kitsch and profound critique, blurring the lines of high and low art. His latest exhibition at Corbett vs. Dempsey, titled “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!”, continues this exploration. The show features a series of “distressed paintings,” characterized by their deliberate wear and tear, exposing the canvas beneath and evoking the frayed state of today’s world. These works challenge perceptions, juxtaposing the aesthetics of destruction with the materiality of contemporary consumer culture.

Tasset’s art operates on multiple levels, from his iconic 30-foot eyeball sculpture to his fiberglass fawn, each piece serving as both a visual spectacle and a commentary on the superficiality of modern art consumption. His “distressed paintings” mirror this approach, reflecting both societal unraveling and personal introspection through their chaotic surfaces.

The exhibition also includes “Eagle,” a grotesque reconstruction of America’s national symbol, critiquing national pride and identity. Meanwhile, “My Lear,” a video performance by Tasset, channels Shakespeare’s King Lear, adding personal and historical layers to the narrative. The video showcases Tasset as an aging king amid the remnants of his career, drawing parallels to themes of legacy and isolation.

Tony Tasset’s art compels viewers to engage with the uncomfortable interplay between the accessible and the critical, reshaping how contemporary art is perceived and interpreted. His works invite both admiration and unease, challenging audiences to look beyond the surface. “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!” remains on display at Corbett vs. Dempsey until June 7, offering a poignant reflection on art’s role in a world marked by both chaos and beauty.