General Idea
GENERAL IDEA "WHEN THE FUR FLIES" 1986
Their work combines both provocative and banal imagery with wit, irony and camp, creating subversive cultural critiques on a wide range of topics from the role of the artist in society to the AIDS crisis.
This work is an iconic variations of one of General Idea's signature motifs. After adopting the poodle as their mascot at the very beginning of the 1980's, it became a reoccurring subject explored throughout the decade. The poodle acted as a vehicle to both mock art history and embellish the legend of General Idea through heraldic display.
While historical European crests portrayed heroic beasts like lions, horses and dragons, GI used an animal that was seen as fey and fancy or decorative rather than brave, if not blatantly homosexual.
The design of "Fur Flies" appears in several variations throughout the decade, notably the chenille crests from 1988. Here, in the first iteration of the design, looping neon-pink lines form the outline of a poodle rearing up on it's hind legs, however it looks more fancy then ferocious.
Both the composition and subject reference classical depictions of majestic war-horses and mythical griffins rearing-up on their hind-legs as they prepare for battle. Sharp blue claws and a horn-like object added near the poodle's mouth hint that this pink poodle is battle-ready...even if the battle is taking place on a runway. Perhaps each of the three yellow trees represents a member of General Idea...or are these stylized mushroom clouds, another motif explored by GI.
This is a fantastic and iconic example of General Idea. To our knowledge this is the first example available on the secondary market in many years.
Additional images available by request.
Signed, titled, dated, and numbered by General Idea.
'When The Fur Flies'
Paris, 1986
From an edition of 100
Offset on paper
29"H 22"W (work)
Excellent condition
Published by Galerie Montenay-Delsol, Paris
Literature: General Idea (2003). General Idea: Editions 1967-1995. Canada: Blackwood Gallery. pp. 170.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
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.
- How much does it cost to ship?
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.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
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.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
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?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.