The map of the land of feeling

Rirkrit Tiravanija

UNTITLED 2008-2011

(the map of the land of feeling) I-III

Sept. 8 – October 22, 2011

Tue – Sat 11-6

Opening: Thursday Sept. 8, 6-8pm

at Carolina Nitsch Project Room 5 3 4 W e s t 2 2 n d S t r e e t

This work essentially chronicles the last 20 years of his life, his recurring themes and historical references. The maps and arrows record locations where Tiravanija has traveled and exhibited. There are recipes which refer to his practice of preparing and feeding visitors at his exhibitions. Interspersed throughout each of the three scrolls are repeated silhouettes of iconic art works by Duchamp and Broodthaers. Duchamp’s famous “Fountain” inspired Tiravanija to become an artist and Marcel Broodthaers incorporation of mussels in cooking pots as appropriated objects clearly influenced Tiravanija’s own cooking performances and installations.
Tirvanija was born to Thai parents in Buenos Aires in 1963 and was raised in Argentina, Bangkok, Ethiopia, and Canada. Tiravanija’s work is both autobiographical and relational to the societies and institutions he lives in and passes through. His work defies media-based description, as his practice combines traditional object making, public and private performances, teaching, and other forms of public service and social action.