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Richard Artschwager
A Postmodern Idyll, 1992

Artwork Info

Artwork title
A Postmodern Idyll
Artist name
Richard Artschwager
Date created
1992
Classification
painting
Medium
acrylic paint, charcoal, graphite, and Formica on Celotex in painted wood artist's frame
Dimensions
59 7/8 in. × 110 in. × 2 3/8 in. (152.08 cm × 279.4 cm × 6.03 cm)
Credit
The Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Photo credit
courtesy Mary Boone Gallery, New York
Copyright
© Estate of Richard Artschwager / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Permanent URL
https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/FC.478
Artwork status
Not on view at this time.

Audio Stories

Is Artschwager’s idyll a retreat or a trap?

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transcripts

SFX: Late-night commercial jingle plays.

 

ANNOUNCER:

Is city living simply too concrete for you? Escape– to Postmodern Idyll!

 

FEMALE WHISPER:

…Postmodern Idyll…

 

ANNOUNCER:

Looking for a home that speaks to your (chuckles) “individuality”? This handsome black-and-white painting presents a carbon copy of your dreams and desires. Say goodbye to hard edges and distinct boundaries. At Postmodern Idyll, we specialize in blurring the lines between the Ultimate Escape… and no escape at all.

 

SFX: The jingle warbles for a moment, then it’s back on track.

 

ANNOUNCER:

From the orderly grid of the sidewalk to the manicured lawns, every facet is designed to lead you home– the path to your door almost seems to glow… with promise. Turn your key and lock yourself away from the dreadful unknown. Those vertical bars serve a purpose, alright. Our uniquely patterned “framework” keeps this gated community safe from prying eyes.

And don’t worry about the neighbors. Just look around, and tell us if you see any! Ah, sweet serenity!

 

FEMALE WHISPER:

…Postmodern Idyll…

 

ANNOUNCER:

Modernity promised you answers you never received. So why not embrace Postmodern living, where there are no answers? Change your perspective today… with Postmodern Idyll.

 

FEMALE WHISPER (drifting through the background):

…Postmodern Idyll…

 

SFX: Jingle warbles again, then fades. Birds chirp a moment too long, then cut out abruptly.

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Other Works by Richard Artschwager

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