Minimalist Mania is a functional gameshow set initially commissioned and constructed on site for the “Society of Spectacle” group exhibition at The Fed Galleries at Kendall College of Art and Design. Curated by Michele Bosak, the exhibition called upon Guy Debord’s seminal text Society of the Spectacle. In the book, (and by extension, the show) we are asked whether we are products of, or willing contributors to, the spectacle. The installation is designed to be a prop for the use of the character “Brilliant”.
Brilliant the character is a heightened version of artist Jonathan Brilliant’s public persona. A brash, gregarious, irreverent, fast talkin’ Contemporary Art History obsessive TV/talk show/game show host. He is equal parts enthusiastic fan of art while also a dubious southern everyman when faced with “difficult’ work.
Through a series of internet based videos, performances and other actions he attempts to digest minimalist art in total. Situated in the gallery is his signature game show “Minimalist Mania”. The show is an exhaustively researched love letter to the artists and movements that began with the minimalists of the mid 1960’s and continue with many sculptors today. The set design is based on a documentary photo of the landmark “Primary Structures” exhibition at the Jewish Museum in 1967, and other images of art of the 1960’s the artist has in books at home. In addition to quizzing his guests on obscure facts about Minimalist artwork, he consistently comments on the artwork directly in front of him. He interviews and talks with anyone who will tolerate it. Underneath it all is a genuine desire to connect with a work of art by any means necessary.
A series of episodes and performances can happen on site and be streamed and recorded for future use
Space Requirements
any
Project Investment Range
$25,000-$30,000+
Can include all artist fees, materials and fabrication, travel and lodging (contiguous US) , transportation of work, installation labor, artist lecture or workshop
These projects can be adapted to specific institutional contexts, budgets, and timelines. For inquiries, space planning, or to request a detailed proposal, contact Anna Rooney Thorp (anna@studiothorp.com)
Full portfolio at jonathanbrilliant.com
