Cady Noland
Artist FactoryDescription
was born in Washington, D.C., USA, in 1956.
Associated modules
Cady Noland is an American artist. In her sculptures and installations she explores themes such as media and violence in American society.
The only photo of Cady that can be found online or in print was taken in 1992, during her participation in documenta IX. documenta is a world-famous exhibition of contemporary art that takes place every five years in Kassel. In the picture, Cady hides her face from the photographic gaze.
Ponder this
Where does the interest in learning about artists and their private lives, or knowing what they look like, come from?
In her works, she often brings together different things from everyday life and arranges them in very unusual ways: for example, beer cans, a barbecue grill and burger buns are combined with meta bars, weapons, handcuffs, baseball bats and a crutch. Many of these objects are associated with violence and exude an aggressive mood.
Reflect
How much precision does a random-looking installation require?
Delve deeper
In the 1990, Cady was very successful with her art: critics praised her work, and collectors were very keen to buy her pieces. Nevertheless, Cady withdrew from the art world and has since tried—as best she can—to avoid it. She does not want to make a commercial spectacle of herself, her work, or her resistance.
Delve deeper
Being famous in the age of mass media is an important theme in Cady’s work. She is interested in why people treat others like objects in certain circumstances, such as in the gossip newspapers.
Discuss
Is there still a difference in our perception between the advertisement for a consumer product and the sensational news about a famous person?
