WORKS FROM THE STUDIO
photo: Nicholas Calcott
Miniature Ceramic Works
In a series that began at Postmasters Gallery, developed further at Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit, these ceramic miniature works depict systems of belief gone awry. From a miniature scene of the suicide at Heaven’s Gate that spawned from a correspondence of those “left behind”, to Alex Jones conspiracy theories, to Comet Ping Pong’s deep web of conspiratorial speculation, these works dig in deep to decipher who we are, what we believe, and how the current crisis came to be. Featured in Galleries in NY Times, and solo show review in Art Forum.
Congrats!! (Operations Crossroads), 2018 mixed media 9 x 10 x 10 inches (23 x 25.5 x 25.5 cm) Following the nuclear tests on Bikini Island (in which United States moved an entire island of native people to another island where they subsequently suffered malnutrition, then to an even smaller island where food shipments had to be made to keep them from starving due to insufficient food sources, then back to Bikini where they experienced health problems due to the radioactivity found in the food supply) a cake was made in celebration of the nuclear testing success. The cake, shaped like the bomb “Baker” and its radioactive geyser, was cut by Vice Admiral Richard P Blandy, and his wife while Rear Admiral Frank J Lowry looked on, Nov 7, 1946. In the collection of Brooklyn Museum.
909 Solo Cups, 2017 mixed media dimensions variable The 909 solo cups, at first glance, resemble a scene of a riotous frat party, but actually portrays the Jonestown massacre led by the charismatic cult leader Jim Jones. The 909 cups found at Jonestown, containing kool-aid spiked with poison, was the horrific final scene of a utopian religious community that moved to the jungle in Guyana.
Child’s Dollhouse #pizzagate (What Really Happened at Comet Ping Pong), 2018 ceramics and mixed media 30 x 15 x 16 inches (76 x 38 x 40.5 cm) This miniature dollhouse replicates what followers of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory believe is really happening at the popular DC restaurant Comet Ping Pong. Levels of basement and dungeon beneath the restaurant are believed by some ardent theorists to host a child pornography ring involving Hillary Clinton, John Podesta, Marina Abramovic, etc. The artists have included heavily loaded pieces of the conspiracy in the dollhouse, all believed to be at the actual location. The conspiracy theory led to an actual shooting within the pizza restaurant as a fanatical conspiracy theorist attempted to free the children trapped by Clinton and fellow democrats.
Soothing Desk Fountain I (The Last Meal for the Movement of the Restoration of Ten Commandments of God), 2018 ceramics and mixed media 15 x 14 x 13.5 inche (38 x 35.5 x 34 cm) This “soothing desk fountain” alludes to the last meal of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, a cult that led to the deaths (suicide and murder) of 924 of the cult’s members and non-members. The night before the tragedy, a huge and festive party of slaughtered cows and sodas served as their last meal. The desk fountain, traditionally used as a tool for relaxation, is paired with this contradictory tragedy.
In the Future the Past Will be Different (part 2), 2016 mixed media 5 x 28 x 28 inches (13 x 71 x 71 cm) This piece is a miniature reproduction of the final death scene for the cult Heaven’s Gate, whose cult suicide occured in 1997. Their beliefs included a faith in ancient astronauts who would come to receive the prized few into a highly developed, transhuman state. The artists became interested in the cult after corresponding via email with two remaining members were “left behind to answer correspondence”. The miniature piece portrays the scene of the 39 suicides, compete with bunk beds, purple cloths, and the black Nike shoes they wore in their final days.
Bananas on sale! (Banana Massacre), 2018 mixed media 17 x 16 x 14 inches (43 x 40.5 x 35.5 cm) This miniature piece alludes to both a charming banana stand found on the side of the road as well as a grocery store display that could be found in Target, promoting the exceptionally cheap and popular fruit in the United States. The bananas, branded as Chiquita, which originated from the company United Fruit, represent a long and violent past of the company’s practices including ousting democratically elected Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán of Guatemala, creating banana republics, using environmentally degrading practices, and the killing of thousands of striking laborers protesting unfair working environments in the Banana Massacre. The piece contains 347 bananas, each representing a family who recently sued Chiquita in 2007 for funding a terrorist organization that killed their family members, to which Chiquita pled guilty. The piece, tropical and inviting, alludes to the darker history of how we are so easily able to buy this fruit.
How do we discuss a tragedy and a conspiracy?, 2018 Resin and acrylic paint 24 x 15 inches (61 x 38 cm) Following the shooting of Sandy Hook, many conspiracy theorists such as Alex Jones, an avid gun rights advocate, proclaimed the shooting to be a complete fabrication, concocted by gun control advocates and liberal media. The children were actors, the parents were faking. Donald Trump subsequently praised Alex Jones lavishly on his radio show while on his campaign, giving further backing to the man behind the conspiracy theory. The conspiracy theory to this day continues to fester, causing some families of the victims to move in order to avoid the followers of the conspiracy theory harassment and death threats. This piece, though small in nature, is a tribute not only to the victims, but to the continuing reminders of pain the families endure.
Child’s Dollhouse #infowars (Alex Jones’ Bathroom), ceramics and mixed media Wallpaper by Ryan Brennan 8 x 7 x 7.5 inches (20.5 x 18 x 19 cm) SOLD This miniature imagines what the controversial conspiracy theorist and right wing radio anchor Alex Jones’ bathroom might look like in dollhouse format, complete with his purchasable line of quackery products. The products, meant to defend you from chem trails and impending government collapse, comprise many objects from protective “shield” pills to alt-right hero comic books. The bathroom, cute and collectible with cat references, contrasts with the over the top anger from this character’s very popular belief-based monologues.
The Jim Bakker Show! ( Time Has Come: How to Prepare Now for Epic Events Ahead.), 2018 ceramics and mixed media 10 x 23 x 23 inches (25.5 x 58.5 x 58.5 cm) Jim Bakker, a tv evangelist, convicted felon, and once again tv evangelist, re-emerged from jail with a message of impending doom and coming apocalypse. To truly prepare for these inevitabilities, followers must purchase buckets of dried food, prep kits, and Jim Bakker property in the Ozarks. This miniature version of The Jim Bakker Show set contains end of times products and books by the Bakkers that are actually available for purchase through his broadcasts. The empty stage references the future disappearance/reward of those who have believed in the Bakker’s message. The curtains open and close continuously, referencing the multiple theatrical end of times dates included in Jim Bakker’s message.
Justice Scalia’s Room (and the conspiracy and discourse that followed), 2018 ceramics and mixed media 6.5 x 26 x 14 inches (16.5 x 66 x 35.5 cm) Following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia at Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas, a series of conspiracy theories, including Obama killing Scalia, followed. The piece refers to a number of these theories and beliefs in the miniature replica of the room in minute clues and details. Scalia’s Room, while referencing the many conspiracies held by some, also represents beliefs held by the masses. A contentious Congressional show-down, reflective of the contemporary political turmoil, was occuring as Obama-nominee Merrick Garland was being refused a Senate hearing by Republicans, claiming Obama’s last year of presidency shouldn’t be considered. Scalia’s vacancy was eventually filled by Neil Gorsuch, a conservative Justice appointed by Trump.
Turkey Pot Pie Special Only at Marie Callender’s (The Last Supper), 2018 ceramics and mixed media 3.5 x 51.5 x 6.5 inches (9 x 131 x 16.5 cm) This piece re-imagines the real-life last meal of the cult Heaven’s Gate, of whose 39 members ordered the identical meal of Turkey Pot Pie, side salad, and iced tea with lemon at the chain restaurant Marie Calendars as a last meal before committing group suicide. The last supper has always been a richly loaded meal used throughout history to memorialize important events, and this piece marks the occasion of the religious cult’s last meal, before their death/desired ascension, in an American chain restaurant.
Happy # CincoDeMayo!, 2016 ceramics and mixed media 5 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches (13 x 29 x 29 cm) This piece, made during the election cycle, references the picture of the taco bowl Donald Trump tweeted, with the words “Happy #CincoDeMayo ! The best taco bowls are made in Trump Tower Grill. I love Hispanics!.. ”. The taco bowl, through that tweet, went on to become a symbol of the immigration debate, including building a wall on the U.S./Mexico border.
An idea of god, or a toothbrush
Large works available
Dada artist Tristan Tzara once said dada can be god, or toothbrush. It is with thisperfectly sensible nonsensical logic that the artists present works that are both endearing and insane, that range from a miniaturized version of Alex Jones’ bathroom to a massive euphoric ice cream chocolate fountain. Reflecting upon the past years’ daily mundanity being punctuated by insanity, the works oscillate between tragedies in belief (such as tiny replicas of cult suicides) and humorously absurd monumental objects. Below are images of large scale works, also pictured at Brooklyn Museum.
B.S.O. (Bright Shiny Object). 2020 Foam, plastic, electric pump, chocolate, oil. 12' x 5' x 5'. Brooklyn Museum.
Sin(k). 2020 Cardboard, plastic hardcoat, water pump, dirty water. 12' x 8' x 8'. Brooklyn Museum.
Installation view, Postmasters Gallery
Sin(k). 2020 Cardboard, plastic hardcoat, water pump, dirty water. 12' x 8' x 8'. Postmasters Gallery.
Tipping Point. 2020 Fabric, wood, plastic hardcoat, refrigerator, marzipan 12' x 8' x 8'. Postmasters Gallery.
Tipping Point. 2020 Fabric, wood, plastic hardcoat, refrigerator, marzipan 12' x 8' x 8'. Postmasters gallery. Back view
Miniatures, Slicing Ham
Initially created along Slicing Ham in 2020/21, these miniatures explored the events that shaped those tumultuous years, paired with the absurd thud of the knife as it sliced a piece of a classic, American dinner Ham.
American Epoch part 2 (Insurrection!) 2021. 16” x 12” x7”
Barricades, 2020. 2020. 12” x 12” x 7”
American Epoch part 3 (Insurrection). 2021 2” x 1”x 1⁄2”
What we are telling you is supported by evidence (bathroom)!!!! 2021. Ceramics, acrylic paint. 5” x 8” x 4”
American Epoch part 1 (Insurrection). 2021. 7” x 7”x 4”
over 1000 hamberders etc. 2020. 36” x 5” x 5”
Ephemera (part 2), 2020. 2021. 4”x 5”x 2”
Ham Sandw(h)ich 1
Ham Sandw(h)ich 3
American Epoch part 4 (Nancy Pelosi’s desk). 2021. 8” x 8” x7”
Ladder. 2021. 5” x 2” x 1”
Four Seasons Landscaping Company. 2021. 6” x 6” x 5”
Medal of Freedom. 2021. 13” x 3” x 1”
My Pillow Guy (Cyber Symposium). 2021. Ceramics, acrylic paint. 7” x 7” x 7”
Ephemera, 2020 6” X 3” X 2”
Needles. 2021. 6” x 6” x 2”
Lamps for your Home.
A new series in which ceramics and large works mingle, where American cultural and religious beliefs clash with violence on an unnerving stage. All are humorously poised as useful “lamps”, underscoring their seriousness.
Behold, I Teach you the Overman!
Paintings and works.
photo: Jake Naughton for NY Times, arts
Behold! I teach you the Overman!, Catron and Outlaw create new mythologies to investigate eternal systems of beliefs through a lens of skepticism and humor. The circularity of cultural gluttony, false prophets and their relation to what the society is convinced of as reality is explored via the elaborate set pieces, videos, performance and multimedia paintings. The works aim to physically and metaphorically transport the viewer to higher levels of existence; Catron and Outlaw become the masters of ceremonies, the enablers, the devil's advocates and the cicerones in a mystery journey as they elevate the audience into the air and have them float through water while being guided through societal, political, and spiritual uncertainty.
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw !!?? 2016 acrylic on canvas, w/ wig 48 x 32 inches
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw, 8 Thermidor Year CCXXIV Houseplant for your house., 2016 oil and acrylic on canvas, w/ fishbowl, wigs, houseplant, grow light, 84 x 120 x 15 inches
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw, Tanning bed with ambience (Luminiferous aether), 2016, acrylic and spraypaint on canvas w/ tanning bed, relaxation chair, cactus, 96 x 132 x 36 inches,
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Man/woman with tiger/pussy in non/space 2016 acrylic and spray paint on canvas, with stuffed animal 72 x 48 inches
Installation view, photo courtesy Jake Naughton NY Times
Jen Catron & Paul Outlaw Just relax (Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, Cocytus, and Styx) 2016 single channel HD video running time: 5:03 minutes video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron & Paul Outlaw Just relax (Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, Cocytus, and Styx) 2016 single channel HD video running time: 5:03 minutes video in edition of 5 + AP
Installtion view: Jen Catron & Paul Outlaw Just relax (Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, Cocytus, and Styx) 2016 single channel HD video running time: 5:03 minutes video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron & Paul Outlaw Just relax (Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, Cocytus, and Styx) 2016 single channel HD video running time: 5:03 minutes video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Gotterdammerung four channel HD video and mixed media sculpture with chairlift 13 x 7 x 7 feet video in edition of 5 + AP (four channel or single channel option)
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Gotterdammerung four channel or single channel HD video video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Gotterdammerung four channel or single channel HD video video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Gotterdammerung four channel or single channel HD video video in edition of 5 + AP
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Stoup/sink for your sins/hands 2016 acrylic and spray paint on canvas, lights, sink, fountain 72 x 48 inches
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw SOSsoso 2016 oil and acrylic on canvas, w/ men’s underwear, video monitor and video 120 x 96 inches
Installation view
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Eat your worms George Washington ! 2016 acrylic and spraypaint on canvas, w/ American flag, gummy worms, wig, sock 48 x 32 inches
Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw Eat your worms George Washington ! 2016 acrylic and spraypaint on canvas, w/ American flag, gummy worms, wig, sock 48 x 32 inches
Photographs
Imeday Imeday Ollarday Icklenay. 2011
In Imeday Imeday Ollarday Icklenay, Catron and Outlaw’s bold constructions and outrageous performances resulted in the transformation of Allegra LaViola Gallery into an elaborate dinner extravaganza. Guests were seated at a crystal clear table, and served decadent courses as the table rose 10 feet into the air above lowly onlookers who watched them dine from below their feet. Live chickens hatched from eggs, an air of merriment was punctured by apocolyptic music and interludes from the performers.
Adorning the walls were meticulous reimaginings of Old World Master paintings, based off of the seven deadly sins. Dime Dime Dollar Nickle refers to the writing on the wall, a prophecy of excess and doomsday from those engaging in extravagant lifestyles.
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