S, M, L, XL
Images
About
During the 1960s, many sculptors abandoned the use of the pedestal, placing their artworks in the same physical space as their viewers. This democratized approach to the role art plays within a museum, gallery, or home continues to the present day, with contemporary artists self-consciously creating works that interact with audiences. S, M, L, XL highlights four works that reflect this artistic attitude across five decades. Small, medium, large, extra-large—each work is increasingly ambitious in scale, and each offers visitors a slightly different experience of sculpture and space to, as it were, try on for size.
The exhibition's title alludes not only to a common system of labeling clothes, but also to a 1995 book by architect Rem Koolhaas that explores scale in a variety of guises, from the intimate to the public, the social to the environmental. The first sculpture is the unassuming Portal
Taking sculpture off the pedestal, this exhibition offers four ways of relating to the size, scale, and scope of the world around us.
This exhibition is organized by Michael Darling, James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Installation Images
Installation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Robert Morris, Portal, 1964. Latex on aluminum; 95 3/4 x 48 1/16 x 12 in. (243.2 x 122.1 x 30.5 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mrs. Robert B. Mayer, 1984.3
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.S.H., 2011. Hot air balloon, basket, metal ring, and fans; overall dimensions variable. Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mary and Earle Ludgin by exchange, 2011.43
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.S.H., 2011. Hot air balloon, basket, metal ring, and fans; overall dimensions variable. Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mary and Earle Ludgin by exchange, 2011.43
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago nFamily Day, May 9, 2015. Work pictured: Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.S.H., 2011. Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mary and Earle Ludgin by exchange, 2011.43. © 2011 Kris Martin
Photo: Joshua Longbrake © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Robert Morris, Untitled (Passageway), 1961. Painted plywood; overall dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist and Castelli Gallery. © 2014 Robert Morris/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Robert Morris, Untitled (Passageway), 1961. Painted plywood; overall dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist and Castelli Gallery. © 2014 Robert Morris/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Robert Morris, Portal, 1964. Latex on aluminum; 95 3/4 x 48 1/16 x 12 in. (243.2 x 122.1 x 30.5 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mrs. Robert B. Mayer, 1984.3
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, S, M, L, XL, MCA Chicago, May 9–Oct 4, 2015. Work shown: Robert Morris, Portal, 1964. Latex on aluminum; 95 3/4 x 48 1/16 x 12 in. (243.2 x 122.1 x 30.5 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, gift of Mrs. Robert B. Mayer, 1984.3
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoGallery Text
Funding
Support for S, M, L, XL is generously provided by the Pritzker Traubert Collection Exhibition Fund.