Sigmar PolkeGerman, 1941–2010Weekend House, from Capitalist Realism
May one see it?
Not receiving at present
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Sigmar Polke's use of dots duplicates the enlargement of photographic reproductions. This image represents a typical suburban residence. Devoid of any visible inhabitants, a human presence is inferred by the orderliness and familial nature of the surroundings; the empty, stage-like character of the setting motivates the viewer to insert actors and construct a narrative. The visual perspective and close proximity to the flowers, which obstruct a clear view, imbue our gaze with a voyeuristic feeling. The juxtaposition of foreground colors with a monochromatic background defines distinct planes, creating a visual tension that questions the nature of representation and perception.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Particulars
- Accession number
- 1991.231.4
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — © the artist or rights holder
Meanwhile, in the life of Sigmar Polke
The whole life1961–1967
The Düsseldorf Art Academy
At twenty Polke entered the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where in 1961–1967 he studied under Karl Otto Götz and Gerhard Hoehme and was deeply influenced by his teacher Joseph Beuys.
1966
First one-man show, in West Berlin
In 1966 Polke had his first one-person show at the Galerie René Block in West Berlin.
1968
A portfolio of 14 photographs
In 1968, the year after he left the academy, Polke published a portfolio of 14 photographs of small sculptures made of buttons, balloons and a glove, shot with a Rollei camera. Until 1971 he made several films and thousands of photographs, most of which he could not afford to print.
