In 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant contribution to postmodern and conceptual art in Canada and beyond.
The trio was both prolific and multi-disciplinary long before it became de rigueur. They worked with photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, installation, multiples, and performance.
For over a decade, General Idea created artworks that referenced the "Miss General Idea Pageant" including many references to the "Pavillion" the (imaginary) venue for the pageant. After the actual 1971 event (at the AGO in Toronto), overwhelmed yet still inspired, the artists decided to make artwork and events for a future iteration of the pageant that would occur in 1984.
In the late 70's General Idea staged an actual event simulating the destruction of the Pavillion by fire. Around the same time they started using poodles as both avatars for each member and as an emblem for the trio, if not artists in general. Because the Pavillion had been "destroyed" archeologists (wink, wink) could now excavate the site...to find items relevant to the ancient "history" of General Idea.
Throughout their career, the artists were dedicated to self-mythologizing and historical fantasy. After the destruction of the "Pavillion" General Idea began creating works that reinforced / created their historical legacy. This is a fine example of a Pavillion fragment. Three gold poodles are suspended in plaster, which could either be from a vessel or architecture.
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Untitled (“Pavillion Fragment”)
Incised signature and dated by the artist
Canada, 1983
Plaster and mixed media
6.75"H 8.75"W (work)
14"H 15.5"W (framed)
Very good condition
Provenance: Galerie Grita Insam, Vienna (Austria)
Galerie Aubes 3935, Montreal
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