W…O…R…D…E…M…
Universal | Unique
Philadelphia College of Art and Design and the Rosewood-Wolf Gallery, The University of the Arts
1988
38’’ x 41” x 1.5”

One-of-a-kind, wall mounted 3D piece:
WOW…ORIGINAL…RUMOR…DEAD…E42…M36…

An invitational exhibition of one-of-a-kind works by American and European designers. 36 international design educators were invited to participate in this exhibit. Each designer was provided three identical visual elements to work with: a twelve inch square grid of equally spaced dots one inch apart, a black and white illustration of a human eye, and the word “word.” The participants, to name just a few, included such respected designers as Armin Hofmann, Michael Manwaring, Katherine McCoy and Sharon Poggenpohl. 

The title of my submission, WOW…ORIGINAL…RUMOR…DEAD…E42…M36… is a play on the designated word “word” and premise that Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe shared similar artistic traits, life-altering coincidences and early demises.   

WOW, exemplifies their precipitated rise to stardom and how their multitude of fans idolized them. ORIGINAL, is an affirmation of their uniqueness among entertainers. RUMOR, epitomizes their chronicled self-destructive lifestyles. DEAD, represents how by dying prematurely they achieved legendary status and dodged the cruel fate of being has-beens.

The EYE signifies how enthralled fans watched their idols soar and descend.

Gold metallic photographic paper adhered to black mat board mounted on a wooden frame is the medium.

Applications shown:
3D Piece.
Exhibition Collateral Publications are by Others.
Details.