Barney was born in San Francisco in 1976. Six years later, he moved to Idaho with his family. His parents divorced, and Barney remained in Idaho, living with his father and playing football on the highschool team, while making visits to his mother in New York City, where he was introduced to the art world. According to art:21 “This intermingling of sports and art informs his work as a sculptor and filmmaker.” Barney graduated from Yale in 1991, and “entered the art world to almost instant controversy and success” (art:21). His best known works are the “CREMASTER” films which he created and produced. CREMASTER is a series of 5 films released out of order, and star Barney in numerous roles, such as a magician, a satyr, Harry Houdini, a ram, and the infamous murderer Gary Gilmore. ‘CREMASTER’ “refers to the muscle that raises and lowers the male reproductive system according to temperature, external stimulation, or fear” (art:21). The CREMASTER series are a mix of mythology, history, and autobiography. Upon release and exhibition, they have recieved mixed reviews.
Images:
http://www.ocma.net/img/20_Matthew-Barney-Cremaster-72-.jpg
http://www.filmtotaal.nl/images/newscontent/be6aa80.jpg
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/__data/page/3601/cremastercycle1marti.jpg
Gallery representing artist:
http://www.gladstonegallery.com/barney.asp
Artist Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfI1LRK0tc
Artist website:
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