wiggin’ out: a virtual exhibition of wigs in contemporary art

janeharr — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 19:36:07 +0000

Culturally and historically, hair has been a marker of everything from social identity to sexuality, and wigs especially conjure associations with masquerade. As objects that signify the body, they can be alluring, comical, or abject. No wonder so many artists have used it for its material and allegorical associations.

I’ve mentioned here before my fascination with wigs since I was a girl, coveting the platinum versions worn by my German aunt and Dolly Parton, among other women from TV, the supermarket, and magazines. Other than this book, I’ve not seen any attempt to collect examples by artists, perhaps because it seems frivolous? Clearly, I don’t think so as I spent many obsessive hours hunting down the examples gathered below. No doubt I’ve unintentionally omitted some, but I chose not to include artists who wear wigs in performances as that would be too many. Anyway, ENJOY! And for those wanting to further whet their wig appetites, this tumblr dedicated to wigs is pretty fun.

(and fyi, this virtual exhibition is © janestown.net, please don’t steal and not give credit)

Lorna Simpson. Wigs (Portfolio) Waterless lithograph and felt, 1996-2006

Rachel Harrison, Glamour Wig, 2005, mixed media

Meschac Gaba, Tresses, fiber and mixed media, 2005

Jim-Shaw, Hollywood Wig Octopus, 2012; Lois Lane Wig Edition, 2011; Hollywood Wig Beehive. 2012

Aglaé Bassens Ink Wigs 2012 Ink and white pencil on paper

Petros Chrisostomou, Bigwig, 2006, mixed media

Lil Picard, 9 Wigs, c. 1970

Meyer Vaisman, Untitled Turkey XVII (Marie Antoinette). 1992

Ellen Gallagher, Pomp Bang, Advertisements and Plasticine, 1994

We Are The Painters, “Sans titre (Tiphanie),” 2012. Painted objects and synthetic hair on canvas mounted on wood panel

Martin Kippenberger, Disco Bomb, 1989

Ron Athey, Foot Washing Set w/Blonde Hair Towel, 1996

Millie Wilson, White Girl, 1995, synthetic hair, steel, wood and mixed media

Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait in a Platinum Wig and Self-Portrait in a Platinum Pageboy Wig, two unique Polaroid prints, 1981

David Altmejd, mixed media, 2004

Haegue Yang. Medicine Men, mixed media, 2010

Michael Richards, The Great Black Airmen, 1996