Do Not Play This Side

This work, intriguing in its detail, offers a unique opportunity to showcase the artistic statement without being overbearing; it displays beauty, but also provides a deeper look, with thought-provoking narratives.

At the heart of "Do Not Play This Side" lies a curated selection of nine meticulously captured vinyl records of various sizes. From a 7 inch single, through 12 inch vinyls, all the way to 16 inch transcription discs. Each is transformed into a captivating scene through extreme close-ups. These enlarged images, ranging from obsidian black to bold red and even a surprising burst of green, offer a visually stunning tapestry that is guaranteed to capture the attention of visitors.

The main exhibit consists of a group of nine pieces. One standout features a single-sided record labeled "Do Not Play This Side," an admonition necessary because there was no recorded material on that side. The statement we begin with is that we take great care when presenting artistic expression, whether that presentation is warranted or not. In this case, the record has had equal amounts of care in construction and finish for both the artist’s work, and the utterly wasted plane. What is the point of manufacturing something beautiful if its purpose is explicitly waste?

Adjacent to it, a label-less vinyl adorned with a curious, yet deliberate geometric pattern becomes a canvas of unrealized melodies. This component tells a tale similar to the first empty side, but this side has been made purposefully artistically precise, drawing the waste function even closer to the art contained on the reverse.

Within these segments also exists a vinyl stained by dirt clods, its art blocked completely until the detritus is cleaned. Wait a moment - this side also contains a wasted geometrical pattern, meaning there is no reason to ever clean the dirt off.

The exhibit then expands beyond the confines of a single gallery space, with a piece consisting of an image of translucent green vinyl, also with a blank label. The viewer can place their own mental music or speech within the grooves, or simply leave it alone, the art thus being enjoyed at the expense of whatever currently lays within the grooves.

As an added highlight, the exhibit features a separate piece—a panel featuring four identical scans, each bathed in vibrant psychedelic colors. Reminiscent of iconic Warhol paintings, this dynamic composition injects a burst of energy into any space. Christie’s Auction House said that Warhol’s art was “designed to be instant and disposable, temporary and replaceable, it is terrified of being invisible.“ This piece covers all those bases, but only because it makes a statement about Warhol’s works writ large; that they are disposable because they are retrievable at will, and ultimately ignorable, once a piece with more vivid coloration appears.

It would be easy to call this a repurposing of the original vinyl, which serves to further cement the overarching theme of the work, which is, “we treat art as though it is almost entirely worthless.” With "Do Not Play This Side," a gallery has the opportunity to elevate their space with a unique and thought-provoking exhibition. From captivating visuals to profound narratives, this exhibit promises to engage visitors while adding a touch of whimsy and underlying sardonic wit to any space. The detail contained will, in and of itself, be an attraction for every viewer. Don't miss the chance to showcase this exceptional collection and inspire conversation, exploration, and appreciation among your visitors.

More views of each piece, as well as some closeups, are shown below. Remember that the pieces are much, much larger in real life, revealing far more detail than can be shown here.