Billy Apple inside the model
completed scale model gallery
The 1_8th scale cutout print of the scale model
Rooms
The Rooms show was intended as a tongue-in-cheek spoof on the gallery system were the gallery space itself became the precious art object. Unlike all of my work at that time,*This work as a precious art object was for sale though I had no expectation for that occurrence.
The 1⁄4 scale model of the gallery was built partly in my studio and completed in the gallery proper during the show. Conventional home construction materials were used with the exterior left with the 2 x 4 framing exposed.
The only way to see the work was to climb one of several step ladders and peer over the top of the walls or get down on your hands and knees and crawl through the door which many visitors did.
Inside the model was a printed drawing for a 1/8th scale model of the 1⁄4 scale gallery which could be cut out and assembled into a paper sculpture. These were free for the taking.
At the conclusion of the show, Apple gallery asked for the show to remain for an additional performance piece titled Tight Shoes by Ed Hee, which required gallery visitors select a pair of shoes from the dozens available, put them on and walk around the outside and inside of the scale model room. The obvious requirement being the shoes be too small for the wearer. And that the wearer continued wearing them until the visitor was significantly uncomfortable.
A hilarious time was had by all which was in perfect keeping with the spirit of my installation.
Three selected photos are:
The completed scale model gallery
Billy Apple inside the model
The 1/8th scale cutout print of the scale model was placed inside the scale model room. A number of them still exist.
The CCTV was installed by Billy Apple for documentation purposes.
* In one show where I was altering large prints of a smoke belching power plant by drawing, painting etc., on them, I was asked by three suited visitors, how much did I want for one of the finished works that were spread upon the floor. They had spent a long time going through them. I answered $400.00 for a framed piece delivered to an address, free if unframed.
They chose to leave empty handed immediately.
