“Marxism” is an exhibition that examines the sociopolitical impact of the rebellious humor of the Marx Brothers – Chico, Groucho, Gummo, Harpo, and Zeppo – in relation to artwork by a gang of five contemporary artists – Marcel Duchamp, Jack Goldstein, Rodney Graham, Tim Lee and Richard Prince.
The Marx Brothers are known for their subversive satire that cleverly addresses political and social issues with a touch of slapstick or a “honk honk” of Harpo’s horn. Their beloved films continue to make people laugh with their particular brand of anarchic humor, where everything is taken literally and humor acts as a defense against the woes of the world.
From Groucho’s iconic mustache, glasses, and cigar to Chico’s phony Italian accent and Harpo’s squeaky walking stick, the Marx Brothers are unparalleled entertainers immortalized for their wit and use of simple props to address topics ranging from love and war to show business with a staunchly anti-authoritarian stance. Duchamp, Goldstein, Graham, Lee and Prince are similar innovators and provocateurs in the world of contemporary art, who have made work that relates to or references themes in the Marx Brothers’ oeuvre. The exhibition presents works by each of the four artists as well as a large collection of historical material relating to the Marx Brothers, including films, photographs, records and props.
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Participating Artists: Chico Marx, Marcel Duchamp, Groucho Marx, Jack Goldstein, Gummo Marx, Rodney Graham, Harpo Marx, Tim Lee, Zeppo Marx, Richard Prince
Curated by Jacob and Jens Hoffmann
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until August 3, 2012
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Marx brothers MGM trailer
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Jack Goldstein, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1975
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Harpo Wig
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Untitled Midwest Landscape
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, The Bull Ring
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, “A Day at the Races” – Lobby Cards, reissue 1962
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Film Program, 1934 – 1939
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Film Stills and Promotional Materials, 1931 – 1940
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Movie Posters and Lobby Cards, 1931 – 1940
Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo, Zeppo Marx, Collector Ephemera, 1931 – 1963
Rodney Graham, The Green Cinematograph (Programme I: Pipe smoker and overflowing sink), 2010
Richard Prince, You Bet Your Life, 2010
Tim Lee, Duck Soup, 2012
