NYAB Event - Patrick Jackson "Tchotchke Stacks"

Patrick Jackson "Tchotchke Stacks"

Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery

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Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery presents Tchotchke Stacks by Patrick Jackson.

The works in this show are made of found tchotchkes, layered between sheets of glass and stacked to human height. All the objects are selected and arranged based on their scale, and ability to hold weight. Their subject matter is completely random and, for the most part, unconsidered. When I found a piece at a thrift store I’d scratch it with a fingernail and apply pressure with my hands. If it passed this durability test I’d make the purchase and eventually incorporate it into one of the stacks. The strength of the objects varies with the different materials: metal, cement, resin, porcelain, terracotta, plastic, wood, and plaster. The strongest ones, which sit on the bottom two rows, can support my full body weight. A version of Da Vinci’s Last Supper made of Mount Saint Helens’ volcanic ash (not a very strong material) was placed on an upper level.

While the approach is structural, the final result is a survey of household sculpture. A few of the pieces are unique in subject matter, but many are common: couples embracing, puppies, cats, angels, little boys and girls, Jesus, The Virgin Mary, Michelangelo's David, bunny rabbits, bears dressed as humans, clowns, 18th century aristocracy, sailors and pumpkins.
When I found these tchotchkes on thrift store shelves my instinct was to handle them. I had my own reasons, but that’s the first thing one does when considering to purchase something, pick up and examine. Aside from this physical relation- ship with the objects, there’s also an emotional one. With longing eyes, offers of companionship and salvation these pieces are stand-in for American desires. Specifically, the desire to be touched.

- Patrick Jackson
Patrick Jackson earned his BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute (2002) and his MFA from the University of Southern California (2007). He lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.