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 group was both prolific and multi-disciplinary long before it became de rigueur. They worked with a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, installations, multiples, and performance.
With their subversive approach and interest in parody and appropriation, General Idea addressed a broad range of social and art-world issues including the AIDS crisis, consumerism, media consumption, and the cult of the artist.
Another significant force of General Idea's practice was their contribution to the discourse around LGBT identity in the 1970's and beyond. Whether directly or obliquely GI explored gender and sexuality in their typically subversive and playful approach.
"For F from F" includes four Polaroids, each featuring Felix against a striking blood-orange backdrop. He wears a black t-shirt that reads "FETISH" and is photographed in various stages of bondage and undress. However upon closer inspection it is revealed that the "leather" wrist and armbands are actually electrical tape. It is important to emphasize that many of the images, references and language, related to Queer sexuality were far more provocative and arresting 50 years ago.
One of these four images was included in the summer 1978 issues of General Idea's FILE Magazine, an appropriation of LIFE Magazine.
This work, "For F from F" was included in General Idea's 2011-2012 retrospective "Haute Culture: General Idea" at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Positioned within the larger narrative of the retrospective, these images provided a compelling glimpse into the artist's exploration of identity, sexuality, and societal norms over three decades.
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“For F from F”
Canada, 1977
Four color Polaroids
Inscribed titles on verso by Felix Partz
4.25"H 3.5"W (individual Polaroid)
9"H 19"W (framed)
Newly framed with museum glass
Very good condition
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