Perfect Pairing: John Baldessari + Young Projects
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery Los Angeles
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery Los Angeles
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery Los Angeles
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery Los Angeles
Photo Courtesy of Young Projects Gallery Los Angeles
Want to wear your love of John Baldessari on your sleeve? Try the next best thing: a T-shirt scrawled with the promise, “I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art.” Paul Young of Young Projects—a West Hollywood gallery space that exhibits digital and video art by Bruce Nauman, Michael Snow, Jennifer Steinkamp, and a host of artists—continues to expand this live channel he devised to broadcast new imagery. Young launched Young Projects Tees Editions in 2012 with eye-catching paintings and sculptures screened onto cotton shirts after a visitor to his gallery saw a video piece by L.A. artist James Whitney and remarked that the visuals “would be amazing on a shirt.” Young notes that video art isn’t often seen by the masses, and silk-screening the images onto clothing gives the work new life.
Now YPT collaborates with modern artists to release limited edition wearable designs—with images selected by contributing artists—every few months. Baldessari, a Southern California native who is known for blending words and photographic images, is the latest contributor to the line. “He told me, ‘Pick whatever you want,’” says Young, who selected the memorable line from Baldessari’s 1971 conceptual piece. In addition to silk-screening and digital printing, Young is also using an embroiderer for some shirts, including the Baldessari designs. He does all of the work himself, noting that artist Lari Pittman told him the project must be a labor of love. Indeed, Young is hoping the project will bring new fans to artists including Aaron Curry, Tillman Kaiser, Mattia Biagi, and Francesca Gabbiani. The gallery founder is also in talks with L.A.-based Charlie White who wants to create work that can be used specifically for the shirts. Only 300 editions of each cotton pullover are available, and the designs are carried here in California at MOCA and Fred Segal, as well as through Young Projects. Young is also working with galleries around the country and with international boutiques including Colette. After all, plain white tees are overrated.
By Rebecca Wheeler
Pictured: Paul Young in front of Zerynthia, a 3D work by J-Walt.
Photo courtesy of Young Projects Gallery
