Rodney Graham "Vexation Island"

From: The Museum of Contemporary Art
Limited Edition: 26
Exhibition: Rodney Graham: A Little Thought
Material: Printed 2-ply vinyl
Dimensions: 35" x 96" (88cm x 243.cm)

Hanging Hardware Included

 

Description

Graham’s 1997 film, “Vexation Island”, features the artist costumed and stranded on a tropical island à la Robinson Crusoe. The 9-minute film plays in a continuous loop as an extended dream sequence of sorts. The artist awakens from sleep only to be returned to an unconscious, dream-like state thanks to a whack on the head from a falling coconut.

This banner features a still from “Vexation Island” with the main character standing under a palm tree just before being pelted with the errant coconut. The crisp image and vertiginous angle show the artist with his head surrounded by a halo of palm fronds. Known for his nonlinear, repetitive video works, Graham’s circular narratives, whimsical references to pop culture, and self-effacing humor can be mesmerizing.

A red band above the image encloses text that reads, “RODNEY GRAHAM/JULY 25 – NOV 29, 2004/MOCA THE GEFFEN CONTEMPORARY” in black and white lettering. Both sides of the banner are identical. Another banner promoting the exhibition features a still from Graham’s 2003 film, A Reverie Interrupted by the Police.

Provenance

These banners were displayed around Los Angeles to promote the exhibition "Rodney Graham: A Little Thought," held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’s Geffen Contemporary location from July 25 through November 29, 2004. The exhibition was also seen in Toronto at the Art Gallery of Ontario, in Vancouver at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia.

About the Artist

Learn more about Rodney Graham