~Ray’s a laugh . . . but talking to the dead is priceless
or: now that’s what I call – some otherworldly qreamin’ . . goin’ down.
DASH SNOW, ‘My Best Friend’, mixed media sculpture. 8 x 4 x 5 in.
in ‘RAY’S A LAUGH’, HALF GALLERY, NYC. AUGUST 1 – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011- CURATED BY LEO FITZPATRICK.
. . at the opening, the show’s curator Leo Fitzpatrick told me that Dash Snow was a big fan of Ray Johnson’s and that he had even bought several of his pieces . . . as well being generally inspired by Ray’s outlaw and low-fi philosophy . . . This found piece, a nice example of shell art, popular decades ago, and often found in thrift shops here and there for a buck or two . . . was accessorized by Dash – with the big red lips, the dangling ciggie, and, see that head full of wild hair ? Leo told me that was Dash’s pubic hair. oh, yes.
NANCY SMITH, found shell art doll. mixed media sculpture. 4-1/2 x 4 x 3 in.
yeah, I found this shell doll on top of somebodies garbage on the curb in Williamsburg several years ago. and though I couldn’t quite understand the attraction, damn if I didn’t hold onto it. despite many an urge to toss it back – from whence it came. I accessorized her with a tiny red beaded embroidery bow at the neck and bestowed a plastic (green !!) cocktail sword in her white pipe cleaner hand. you know, something like, the pen is mightier than the sword, except when it’s tiny, green and plastic !!
I always liked that the up-turned shell ‘basket’, painted nail polish red – that she already came with – in her other hand – looked more like a painter’s easel – than a basket of what ? 3 tiny seashell cookies ?
I think I’ll let Dash have the lock – on the public hair !!
funny, right.
me and Dash exchanging ‘found’ shell art, male & female, no less – through the (web) mail.
and between the worlds no less. the world of the dead. and the world of the living. well who’s to say the dead can’t communicate to the living. not I.
got qream ? I think so.
PHOTOS: NANCY SMITH