General Idea was founded in 1967 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.
With their subversive approach and interest in parody and appropriation, General Idea addressed a broad range of social (and art-world) issues such as the cult of the artist, mass media, queer identity, and consumerism.
Many of their creations addressed or challenged ‘the myth of the individual genius’. One of their frequent motifs was hijacking established icons or tropes and replacing them with new symbols that celebrated or referenced the contribution of General Idea.
Flags, crests, and emblems were the ideal methods to perpetuate their ideas. In "Nine Lives" a trio of copyright skulls becomes a macabre and stylized group portrait (many GI creations depict three elements or characters which may or may not be a representation of the three artists) or the flag of some sports team, evil corporation, or...
General Idea's works frequently have art, consumerism, and iconography confront each other in curious ways. AA Bronson once explained, “General Idea was at once complicit in and critical of the mechanisms and strategies that join art and commerce, a sort of mole in the art world.”
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"Nine Lives"
Serigraph on nylon flag (includes title card in black card box)
59"W 39"H (Flag)
8.4"W 4"D 1.75"H (Box)
From the signed edition of 60
(Total edition was 500, only the first 60 were signed and numbered)
Published by Helga Maria Klosterfelde/Gessellschaft
Very good condition
Note: includes flag pole with purchase
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