We had the opportunity to meet with artist Fred Tomaselli in December 21, 1999. We had a conversation with with him about his latest piece, Gravity's Rainbow, which was on display at the Whitney Museum at Philip Morris the Whitney's Branch Museum, in New York City.
Tomaselli uses large quantities of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter and illegal drugs in his work. He arranges them into decorative patterns that represent abstracted forms. Fred Tomaselli clued us in to the materials he uses, such as pills, and the effect and influence of his past drug use on his work.
Responses/Opinions of Three Youth Insights Participants:
Jasmin: Meeting Fred Tomaselli was a great opportunity for Youth Insights participants. We have been interpreting art in our own way, but meeting Fred Tomaselli gave us his view. He was very down-to-earth and eager to show us his work and answer our questions.
Danielle: It was very interesting to meet the artist Fred Tomaselli because we found out different ways that someone can express themselves. Fred Tomaselli draws from his old addiction to drugs. By using his past experiences, he gives his art a surreal atmosphere, a fantasy-like quality. This brought up the topic of "what is art?" When we met him, he was open to answering our questions and was very cool and relaxed.
Emily: I really enjoyed Fred Tomaselli's slide presentation. I liked the fact that he used narcotics because I have never seen a work of art that had them in it. He was really easy-going and funny. I truly loved his art work, it is unique.
Questions:
If drugs are used in a painting, is it still considered art?
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If illegal drugs are used in a work of art, does that make the work of art illegal too?
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Can you appreciate Tomaselli's work if you have never taken drugs before?
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© 2000 Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, New York
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