PAUL MCCARTHY

Paul McCarthy (born August 4, 1945), is a contemporary artist who lives and works in Los Angeles, California. -> Wikipedia

Paul McCarthy is widely considered to be one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of today. Using the language and imagery of the all-pervasive American consumer culture he grew up with, his work distorts and mutates the familiar into the disturbing and carnivalesque. McCarthy first became known in the seventies for his performances and film works and during the nineties extended his practice into stand alone sculptural figures, installations and most recently a series of large inflatable sculptures. McCarthy gained recognition for his intense performance and video-based work on taboo subjects such as the body, sexuality, and initiation rituals. McCarthy’s work has also explored themes of family, childhood, violence and dysfunction while using bodily fluids, paint, and food to create elaborate and grotesque critiques of cultural icons. McCarthy has collaborated often with Mike Kelley and has been featured in the Whitney Biennale and solo shows at such venues as the Museum of Modern Art.

PAUL MCCARTHY – the belated recognition of a misunderstood genius