More on Kienholz and Gemini G.E.L.

Ed Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz
The Same Old Shoe, Gemini G.E.L. $3995

It seems that, some days, any which way we turn, we are knocked out by something endlessly fascinating. D+R pal Greg of Daddytypes pointed us to Gemini G.E.L. and there went the afternoon. So much for productivity.

Since 1966, Gemini G.E.L. has functioned as a workshop to assist artists to produce multiples of their work and you can still buy the aforementioned Kienholz "The Blockhead" directly from the source for $2495.

From Gemini G.E.L. co-founder, Sidney Felsen:

We're a support system, not a co-creator. Each artist is the captain of the ship while he or she is here.

Want to see the complete history of Gemini G.E.L.? From Gemini G.E.L.:

In 1981, the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., established the Gemini G.E.L. Archive, which functions as a study center for scholars and collectors, and contains a complete history of the workshop. Included is one example from each of the over 2,000 editions published.

As Greg points out:

Best Kienholz edition, though, is obviously Sawdy, 1972, made from 55 modified, silkscreened, mirrored, and backlit Datsun doors. When the window's rolled down, you can see a nighttime scene of racial violence happening outside. Rather brilliant.

Though I agree with Greg that Sawdy (link) is impressive as hell, I am partial to the self-referential commemorative license plate (link).

Link to Gemini G.E.L.
Link to Gemini Archive, National Gallery of Art
(Thanks Greg)