Event Blog #2: Making Strange Exhibit at the Fowler Museum

For one of my events, I went to the “Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem” Exhibit at the Fowler Museum (LA Weekly). This exhibit consisted of pieces constructed by major contemporary Indian artist Vivan Sundaram (The Art Minion). Dissecting the name, I interpreted a bit of what message the pieces attempt to convey—“Gagawaka” is a combination of Lady Gaga and the 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (Fowler Museum). Lady Gaga refers to the fashion that she herself adorns, reflecting the idea of American pop culture beauty. Waka Waka refers to the cultural aspect of the exhibit and the word itself conveys a sense of absurdity. 

Effigy, 2011 (Paper cups, metal frames)

I believe that when combined, the purpose of this exhibit appears to be to comment on the superficiality of pop culture and the absurdity of it. The garments that these pieces are modeled after belong to those who are regarded as “rich” and the irony of this exhibit is the use of ordinary, everyday objects to generate these pieces. The second part of the exhibit refers to “Postmortem” part of the title. Postmortem refers to “after death” as seen in Sundaram’s use of mannequins and the human body (Patel). 

Wired Torso, 2013 (Mannequin fiberglass)

The purpose of this half of the exhibit is to focus on the “clothing’s relationship to the body, and the body’s relationship to itself (Davis).” In my eyes, I see the juxtaposition between “Gagawaka” and “Postmortem” as a commentary on how humans care very much about the superficial aspects of life, but none of this matters in the end of life. I interpret this exhibit as meant to open the eyes of today’s generation to what is truly important in life—ourselves and each other, as we are.

Me at the exhibit

Citations

""Making Strange" by Vivan Sundaram at The Fowler Museum." The Art Minion. 30 Apr. 2015. Web. 8 June 2015.

Dambrot, Shana Nys. "Making Strange: Gagawaka Postmortem." L.A. Weekly. Web. 8 June 2015.

Davis, Sarah. "Making Strange: Vivan Sundaram at the Fowler Museum." Art Slant. 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 8 June 2015.

"Making Strange: Gagawaka Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram." Fowler Museum at UCLA. Web. 8 June 2015.

Patel, Ruhee. "Fowler’s ‘Making Strange’ Exhibit Brings Together Artist’s Projects." Daily Bruin. 22 May 2015. Web. 8 June 2015.