FELIX GONZALEZ-TORRES

Felix kept a postcard of Saute dans la Vide -Leap into the Void (1962) - the image of the artist Yves Klein leaping, arms spread, from an open roof - on his desk as constant reminder to take a leap!

Felix Gonzalez-Torres was born in 1957 in Cuba, and grew up in Puerto Rico before moving to New York City.

Commemorating the 20 th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, Felix did a memorable billboard project, a black-and-white photograph of an empty but previously occupied bed. It was seen in twenty-four locations around New York City in 1992, the bed was his own, it represented a memory of a time shared by him with his best friend Ross who died in 1991.

Felix's candy spills began in 1990 featured large quantities of colorful wrapped candies - heaped in corners or spread out as "carpets" on the floor. These works have not only a formal sculptural quality, but also the potential for metamorphosis. Visitors are encouraged to take pieces of candy home with them.

The theme of metamorphosis persists again in his light bulb strings, which consist of 15 or 25 watt bulbs, on one or more extension cords, often hung from the ceiling, or draped across walls, or coiled in a pile on the floor. They also can be viewed turned on or off. The light bulbs are replaced as they expire, echoing the theme of loss and renewal again.


 
 untitled (last light)

In 1993, in lieu of a standard biography / bibliography, Felix chose to write a "self portrait" of himself.

In the spirit of his Conceptual Art work, ( taking a piece of paper from one of his stack or a piece of candy from a candy pile installation ) e-mail us for a copy of Felix Gonzales -Torres "self portrait" and take a piece with you.