General Idea

GENERAL IDEA, “SIGARBOX”, 1985

General Idea formed in 1969 in Toronto and over the next 25 years, the trio made a remarkable and inimitable contribution to post-modern art. 

With their subversive approach and interest in parody and appropriation, General Idea addressed a broad range of social (and art-world) issues including consumerism, media consumption, the cult of the artist and AIDS.

Their work frequently merged the provocative with the banal. "Sigarbox" is prime example in which the collectable object can not only be acquired, but smoked! 

The work is made up of an elaborate box with its 10 cigars. The box shows the silhouette of two poodles urinating on a structure that seems to be on fire. The group started to replace the lion of the flag of the City of Ghent in the 1980s. The poodle is one of the defining icons in General Idea’s oeuvre, signifying a multitude of meanings.  

The block pyramid is another historical image/reference that hijacked by General Idea appearing as a pattern at the top border of "Self Immersion" .

Questions about this artwork? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Wood-burning on wood box, metal, packaging label (offset on paper) and 10 cigars

Signed and numbered by the artist 

From an edition of 200

Published by Publishing House Bebert, Rotterdam

Produced of the boxed set of artists’ multiples From Source to Use, Contemporary Archaeology Pandora Part One 1985.

Very good condition. Detailed condition report by request. 

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We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL. 

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For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.

Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.

Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere. 

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When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees. 

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Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity. 

What is your return policy?
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