mblume@uoregon.edu

Ed Kienholz Biography

Edward Kineholz was an American pioneering installations artist and assemblage sculptor. Born in 1927 in Fairfield, Washington State, he grew up on a farm learning carpentry, drafting and mechanical skills. Though he received some formal education at both Eastern WA College of Education and Whitmore College (WA), he did not achieve a college degree nor […]

Key Themes used by Kienholz

Kienholz’ art could arguably be considered both unique and “of his time” due to the types of art he created and the themes his used. He was a pioneering creator of “assemblage sculptures” as well as a pioneering member of the “Funk Art Movement” and was considered a member of the “Beat Generation”.   His […]

Artistic Influences

Ed Kienholz’ life was as much a part of his work as the work itself. Much has been made of how his life on a Washington farm and the skills learned there, shaped his mode of expression as well as his subject matter. His most provocative piece, “Back Seat Dodge ‘38”, was said by the […]

Sollie 17, 1979-80

Sollie 17, 1979-80

Can an entire life boil down to those actions and things that fit into a small, dingy room? The Kienholz assemblage, “Sollie 17” (1979-80), suggests that this could be the outcome of a man’s life. In a re-creation of an SRO hotel room, Kienholz has depicted the totality of the end stage of one man’s […]

Youtube Playlist

This playlist is a combination of first hand footage of some of Kienholz’ works as well as informative videos of specific works. These videos offer a far better understanding of the artist’s work than a static image can.

John Doe, 1959

John Doe, 1959

Paint and resin on mannequin parts set on metal perambulator with wood, metal, rubber, and plastic toy 39 1/2 x 19 x 31 1/4 in. This piece is one of Kienholz’ earliest works. It shows his interest in the use of everyday objects as material and morbidity in theme.

History as a Planter, 1961

History as a Planter, 1961

  History as a Planter 1961 Paint and resin on metal oven and mannequin parts with metal Jew’s Harp, newspaper, wood, plexiglass, tin, Wandering Jew plant, and electrical cord 33 1/4 x 20 1/2 x 14 1/4 in. This piece is another example of his assemblage work before his shift to “tableaux” style.

The Illegal Operation, 1962

The Illegal Operation, 1962

  Polyester resin, paint, shopping cart, furniture, concrete, lamp, cloth, bedpan, and medical implements 59 x 48 x 54 in. The Illegal Operation, 1962, deals with high tension social issue of abortion over a decade be before it was legalized. This piece shows Kienholz’ interest in social and political subjects and creating work that evokes […]

Roxy’s, 1960-61

Roxy's, 1960-61

Roxy’s, 1960-61 Full Scale assemblage (room-sized installation) with 8 figures, each with a specific name Roxy’s is Kienholz’ first completely subversive installation, making it a pivotal art piece. He created an environment of a shared experience that the viewer would walk into. This brothel scene was inspired by a childhood experience. Five Dollar Billy Engraved […]

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