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

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There’s no easy way to sum up his work, or anyone doing important intriguing difficult visionary work in a blog post (yes, they have their limits). Its body-based, durational, in keeping with what’s been deemed the “masochistic” work of artists like Gina Pane, Bob Flanagan, and Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (my Believer piece on Gen’s Warhol show is up, btw, if you haven’t seen it!). Still that says little to nothing about the profoundly sacrificial aspects of his work, or how BDSM-queer theory have shaped it. Some performances can be hard to witness, a testament to their power IMHO, other are downright warm and fuzzy. Many people seem unable to let go of their discomfort long enough to see how deeply intelligent, thoughtful, and giving Athey is, instead – almost invariably – he’s treated like a freak show. And I’m talking about art journalists here.

BUT the point of this post was to share a few pics culled from a Google image search I did after I saw Ron’s new profile pic (after his 30-day probation). As you can see, it shows him in warrior stance, right palm above heart, tribal body sleeve almost done. I was particularly attracted to the nipple studs, the stretching of the skin to accommodate them the way ear lobs are commonly done. It looked really beautiful. Body modification as an expression of malleability interests me, and the results can be striking. The culture around it is never one I’ve been active in as I’m hopelessly squeamish about cutting into my body. I distinctly recall feeling violated when I got my ears pierced, LMAO, at 16, I guess by the violent blast of the gun. Perhaps method is everything. I don’t have any tattoos. I have friends who are covered and I love it (when the art is good, obviously), and sometimes I want to just cover my body, even my face. But I never do. Instead I wait and appreciate it on others:) But I do sometimes like to look at what people are up to, what the trends are (like last year’s bagel head).

Ok, well here are some images of nipple adornment/modification I came across that I found appealing/fun! And if its too tame for you, check out this blog by former founder of BME (Body Modification Ezine) where he talks about flayed penises.

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