OF THE FLESH: THE ART OF ANDREW KRASNOW
Flag from Flagpole, 1990 and Shitkickers, 2005
Andrew Krasnow is an acclaimed conceptual artist whose works have been described as both ‘powerful’ and ‘thought-provoking.’
Since 1988, Krasnow has frequently incorporated legally-sourced human tissue into his mixed-media installations. While such works have frequently been the subject of controversy, it has never been the artist’s intention to scandalise or sensationalise. Instead Krasnow has used the power of his medium to draw attention to what he considers important social and political issues: the dangers of extreme nationalism, the horrors of war and man’s continued inhumanity towards man.
Krasnow believes that it is only through his use of human tissue that he can convey that this sense of suffering, pain and loss is universal. Drawing on the tragedy of his own life and that of the world around him, Krasnow illustrates both the fragility and dignity of all human life. Though often overlooked, this is the strong spiritual message that underscores all of Krasnow’s works; one that is not confined to any single belief system. It is a message that speaks to the humanity in all of us.
GV Art is proud to present the European debut of Andrew Krasnow’s Of the Flesh.
Due to the nature of these works, the preparations for this exhibition have been both challenging and unique; from the complex legal issues on both sides of the Atlantic and the logistics of transportation to the need to acquire a license from the Human Tissue Authority. As the first private UK gallery to acquire such a licence, GV Art was obliged to satisfy a number of different criteria concerning the storage and security of these works. The gallery has taken great efforts to show that it has and will continue to act in a socially responsible manner at all times. For this reason the decision was made to make this an invitation-only exhibition
In showing Krasnow’s works in human skin, GV Art is also fulfilling it long-standing and on-going commitment to an artist with whom we share similar ideals. Like Krasnow, we are concerned about the continuing erosion of civil liberties and applaud his efforts to champion both freedom of expression and the rights of the individual. Regrettably, it is now beholden to private galleries to assist such artists who face not only censorship but the lack of support from publicly-funded institutions.
Although this exhibition raises many difficult ethical issues, GV Art believes we should not be afraid to enter into this dialogue. It is through the exchange of ideas that we comprehend fully our obligations as global citizens. Therefore we must remain aware of the actions that governments take in our name, or as Krasnow himself states, “allegiance to the flag at what cost?”
Press release 28th October 2008 Of the Flesh, of the moment.doc (31KB)
