Group Shows Cut-Up the Group, 1989
Les Levine’s conceptual practice is realised in various formats including painting, photography, print, installation and, as exemplified in this work, Mail Art. This modified photograph and the accompanying humorous letter, were sent to colleagues and acquaintances of the artist, denouncing the merits of group exhibitions. The photograph was taken by Levine, and presents legendary artistic and literary collaborators William Burroughs and Brion Gysin. Burroughs and Gysin are noted for having developed the cut-up technique, employing this system to create literary, audio, and visual compositions. Levine adopts various tactics in the dissemination of his artworks and is particularly recognised for his billboard works. Informed by the language of mass advertising, this photograph uses the same aesthetic strategy, with its punchy slogan and solid typeface.
| Medium | Modified photograph reproduced on photographic paper, and printed letter |
| Credit Line | IMMA Collection: Donation, Novak/O'Doherty Collection, 2015 |
| Edition | Ed. 37/250 |
| Item Number | IMMA.3922 |
| Copyright | For copyright information, please contact the IMMA Collections team: [email protected]. |
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Artworks by Les Levine
Protestant women from Springmartin Estates, Belfast. “We are the ones who should get the sympathy.” Les Levine 1979
I.R.A. Funeral Les Levine 1979
Protestant mother from Springmartin Estates. “They try to shoot up at us every night of the week.” Les Levine 1979
Deery family of 13 (Catholic): Father dead, Mother shot in the thigh on ‘Bloody Sunday.’ Les Levine 1979
Mrs. Young (Catholic) is consoled by neighbours after hearing her son, John, was shot on ‘Bloody Sunday.’ Les Levine 1979
