Artist: Athena Papadopoulos (featuring Monster Coat Club)
Exhibition title: Wolf Whistles
Venue: Shoot the Lobster, New York, US
Date: November 6 – December 11, 2016
Photography: all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and Martos Gallery
Shoot the Lobster is pleased to present Wolf Whistles, an installation specifically conceived for and custom fitted to the Shoot the Lobster gallery space.
Using the form of the meat-locker/butcher shop as a point of departure Papadopoulos employs a wide range of over the counter materials to color, mark, bruise and stain her stuffed hanging sculptures.
Among these materials are meat hooks slathered in her trademark concoction of resin-based glue mixed with self-tanner and synthetic wig clippings alongside taxidermy animal claws, hair dyes, Pepto Bismol, red wine, lipstick and nail polish- materials that are traditionally used dye the inside and/or outside of the human body/skin.
On the surface of the stuffed cushion-like sculptures are DIY image transfers, hand applied, cut out and recomposed through meticulous hand stitching. These images include everything from photographs taken from the artist’s personal archive and images of corpse flowers, worms, blown-up tattoos, images of decaying body parts to drawings of women inspired by characters from Papadopoulos’ personal history. Lasciviously posed figures in states of celebration as well as the disembodied head of the artist can also be spotted floating around in various guises.
The sculptures are harnessed by chains; Dripping from the chains are candy-apple red manicured animal claws. The sculptures are also adorned with oversized vermillion-tinted polyester resin “charms” encapsulating collections of cartoonish pig figurines, legs ripped from faux frogs that mingle with confetti, peanuts shells, chicken bones, Hooters floor detritus, freeze-dried bloodworms, mini octopi and shrimps all swimming around with feminine negligees such as g-strings and thongs.
The sculptures are at once consumable but also all-consuming. They are supersaturated with the world of the artist, soaking these stimuli in they become transformed and stand in as surrogates for the artist herself.
In her new collaboration with London’s Monster Coat Club (Hannah R. Hopkins and Sofia A. Ginevra Gianni), a fur fashion project, who together with Papadopoulos’ sculptural installation in mind, have designed three limited-edition fox, wolf, rabbit, Mongolian lamb and leather collaged fur coats that have been tattooed with Papadopoulos’ drawings of women as well as adorned with her handmade stuffed alcohol bottles and black & bloodied hearts.The coats also feature a selection of Papadopoulos’ DIY patches.
An edition of Papa x MCC oversized keyring purses will be available through the STL web store.
Athena Papadopoulos is a Toronto-born Canadian artist living and working in London, UK. Papadopoulos graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London’s MFA Fine Art program in 2013 and University of British Columbia with a BFA in Visual Art and Art Theory in 2011. Selected solo exhibitions include Rancho Rat-King-Cougar at Supportico Lopez, in Berlin May 2015, Zabludowicz Invites: Athena Papadopoulos at the Zabludowicz Collection in London January 2015, and Honeymoon in Pickle Paradise curated by EMALIN at The Landmark Hotel in London October 2014. Upcoming solo exhibitions will be at Supportico Lopez, Berlin March 2017 and EMALIN, London May 2017. Selected recent group exhibitions include, Streams of Warm Impermanence at David Roberts Art Foundation in London September 2016, Wild Style at Peres Projects in Berlin June 2016, Bloody Life at Herald St. in London, April 2016, k hole curated by Theo Niarchos at 6817 in Los Angeles August 2015, Metaforms curated by Nicholas Baume in Collins Park, Miami Beach December 2015, and Natural Instincts curated by Samuel Leunenberger at Musee Espace Arlaud in Lausanne, Switzerland December 2015.
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Them Suckling Skirts (Rack II) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing, Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016,Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016,Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Barely There Near Neither Hair (Rack III) (detail), 2016,Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, The Bedbug Bustier, 2016, Dyed fox, Mongolian, rabbit, wolf and leather, tattoo ink on leather, image, transfers, nail polish, hair dye, wool, wadding, jewellery chain, thread, silk, eyelets
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, The Bedbug Bustier, 2016, Dyed fox, Mongolian, rabbit, wolf and leather, tattoo ink on leather, image, transfers, nail polish, hair dye, wool, wadding, jewellery chain, thread, silk, eyelets
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, The Gangrene Godfather, 2016, Dyed fox, Mongolian, rabbit, wolf and leather, tattoo ink on leather, image transfers, nail polish, hair dye, wool, wadding, jewellery chain, thread, silk, resin, blades, button, eyelets
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, The Amorous Alcoholic, 2016, Dyed fox, Mongolian, rabbit, wolf and leather, tattoo ink on leather, image transfers, nail polish, hair dye, wool, wadding, jewellery chain, thread, silk, resin, blades, button, eyelets
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, The Amorous Alcoholic, 2016, Dyed fox, Mongolian, rabbit, wolf and leather, tattoo ink on leather, image transfers, nail polish, hair dye, wool, wadding, jewellery chain, thread, silk, resin, blades, button, eyelets
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Monster Coat Club, Athena Papadopoulos, Untitled, 2016
Mixed media, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable
Athena Papadopoulos, Awful Offal And Foul Fowl, Pricked, Pimped And Plumped (Racks IV & V) (detail), 2016, Hair Dye, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Pepto Bismol, Red Wine on Padding/Wadding, Image Transfer on Fabric, Jewellery Chain, Stuffing Pine Wood Dowels, Butcher Hooks Covered in Resin-Based Glue Mixed with Self Tanner and Synthetic Hair Clippings, Alligator Claws Coated in Resin and Nail Polish, Leather, Various Objects Encapsulated in Pigmented Polyester Resin, Waste Pipe, Wood and Screws, dimensions variable