What Do You Have That Can’t Be Replaced? Part 1 and 2
Date2003
MediumVintage paint by numbers, wall paper, colored paper, roofing paper, acrylic, pencil, and medium on canvas
DimensionsFramed (Individual Panel): 47 7/8 × 47 7/8 inches (121.6 × 121.6 cm)
Framed (Diptych): 47 7/8 × 95 3/4 inches (121.6 × 243.2 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds provided by the William Jay Society.
Object number2004.15.a-.b
Copyright© Marcus Kenney.
The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextKenney creates two desert skies by exposing the back side of torn fragments of wallpaper. Commenting on gloabl consumerism and its impact on future generations, the artist juxtaposes an American and Middle-easertn desert. The American desert piled with bagged trash entertains recreational vehicles, motor bikes, barbeques and picnic gear clearly demonstrating America as a disposable culture. An Army recruit surveying a Middle-eastern desert protects American interests; while cacti stuffed into terra cotta pots, symbolize what is real and artificial. Kenney urges the viewer to question consumer culture and what is truly irreplaceable.
Kenney's use of everyday materials not usually associated with art reclass the "combines" produced by legendary mixed media artist Robert Rauschenberg in which tires, stuffed animals and other objects were combined in haphazard arrangements that prevented literal interpretation.
