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The Fools' Congress, Part 2

The Fools' Congress, Part 2

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Arnold Zimmerman

"The Fools' Congress, Part 2," by American ceramic artist Arnold "Arnie" Zimmerman, offers a lively and satirical study of human nature and collective behavior. In this monumental terracotta work, a choir of fantastically distorted human forms loom and clamor for their part in a great drama. Inspired by a nineteenth-century print from French satirist Honore Daumier, Zimmerman reflects America's preoccupation with folly during the impeachment hearings of President Bill Clinton. The artist's choice of common red clay incorporates the color generally associated with hypocrisy, shame, and dishonor.
Artist
Arnold Zimmerman
(American, 1954 – 2021)
Title
The Fools' Congress, Part 2
Date
1998-1999
Medium
Terracotta, wood, metal, and epoxy
Dimensions
77 x 144 x 50 in. overall
Credit
Gift of Stephen and Pamela Hootkin
Accession No.
2012.30.1a-h
Classification
Sculpture
Geography
United States

Related

14 December 2009, sold by the artist, Arnold Zimmerman (New York?, New York), to Stephen and Pamela Hootkin (New York, NY); June 2010, deposited on long-term loan to Chazen Museum of Art; 2012, gifted to Chazen Museum of Art

  • Collischan, Judy and Neuberger Museum of Art. "Clay bodies: Barry Bartlett, Peter Gourfain, Arnie Zimmerman." Purchase, NY: Neuberger Museum of Art, 1999.
  • Chazen Museum of Art. "Artscene." September-December 2011. p. 9
  • Chazen Museum of Art. "The Human Condition: The Stephen and Pamela Hootkin Collection." exh. cat. Madison: Chazen Museum of Art, 2014. pp. 126-127, 163
  • Vigna, Lena. "Provocative Clay." Sheboygan, WI: John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 2010. front and back cover; pp. 3, 92

  • Human Condition: The Stephen and Pamela Hootkin Collection, The: Chazen Museum of Art, 9/5/2014–11/30/2014
  • Tale to Tell, A: Contemporary Narratives in Clay: John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 5/15/2005–9/4/2005
  • Scripps College 57th Ceramic Annual: Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, 1/20/2001–4/1/2001
  • Clay Bodies: Barry Bartlett, Peter Gourfain, Arnie Zimmerman: Neuberger Museum of Art, 6/27/1999–8/22/1999

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