I recently visited (for the third time now) Sarah Hurwitz’s exhibit at Eye Lounge, a contemporary art space next to Made Art Boutique at 5th and Roosevelt streets in Phoenix. One word: genius. OK, two words: hilarious genius.
The exhibit is called “Everything I have ever wanted to own” and is accompanied by a description by Hurwitz:
"Americans love stuff I love stuff. I love to be around my stuff and admire my stuff and sometimes, just sometimes,make use of my stuff. Often I imagine owning all kinds of stuff. Here are some of the stuff I wish was mine."
It is exactly that, drawings of a bunch of things that Hurwitz wishes she had. Half of the exhibit made me feel like the artist had secretly followed me for weeks and took note of all the things I expressed desire for: A baby monkey, Mean Girls on DVD, more rocks and gems, an authentic spell-book and a subscription to the cheese of the month club.
In true girl fashion, a section of the exhibit is dedicated to OMG … shoes. Photo by Alexandria Conrad
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one commonly faced with this problem. Photo by Alexandria ConradThe other half of the exhibit made me laugh because of the randomness: A claw foot tub, Neville Longbottom’s Grandma’s hat, a Basquiat drawing, Lego Taj Mahal, a shorter extension cord and a room full of cheese-flavored snacks.
Now that’s a hat. Photo by Alexandria Conrad
A room full of cheese flavored snacks. Better known as what dreams are made of. Photo by Alexandria ConradThe last half — yeah, it has three halves — is just ludicrous: the taxidermied head of the last Tasmanian Tiger, the gun used to shoot the last Tasmanian Tiger, portraits of the first 23 American presidents, a whale booger that they make perfume out of (Ambergris), and a treadmill/TV combo that will play Ru Paul’s Drag Race only if she runs fast.
Model of a whale booger. I put my hand there for scale, but for all you know I could have freakishly large hands. Photo by Alexandria Conrad
My fancy wallpaper would be drawings of wrenches, pretzels and prawns as well. Photo by Alexandria ConradSarah Hurwitz wants a lot of stuff, but that’s what makes for such a great exhibit. Plus, she’s not half bad at drawing … and by that I mean she’s really good.
So, if you’re looking for a good laugh, don’t come here because you’ll get multiple good laughs. But hey, if that’s what you’re looking for I highly suggest a visit!
If you’d like to reach me with comments, concerns or suggestions, you can email me at anconrad13@gmail.com or tweet me at @alliectersely
