Gabriel Orozco, Sandstars (2012)
Exploring qualities of taxonomic classification, Mexican-born artist Gabriel Orozco frequently picks his subjects apart, examining numerous elements before assembling or arranging them in the gallery context. Â His pieces have explored the interaction between nature and culture on micro and macro levels, using scientific forms to classify and categorize these encounters.
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Sandstars (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
As part of the Guggenheim‘s commission series (their 18th and last in the program), Orozco has chosen to exhibit two collections of detritus, one (Sandstars) culled from the wildlife reserve in Isla Arena, Mexico, and one (Astroturf Constellation) from the soccer field on pier 40 in New York City.  Arranging these collections of driftwood, consumer products, trash and forgotten items, Orozco creates a catalog of human and natural impacts on two separate environments, one wholly organic, and one almost entirely manufactured.
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Sandstars (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
The collected items are then arranged along a series of photographic grids, showing a meticulous dedication to process that immediately calls to mind the practice of On Kawara’s date paintings, an artistic act applied to a rigid practice. Â Viewing how the environment has remolded and reshaped the forms presented, Orozco shows spaces of interaction between man and nature through its products of erosion.
Gabriel Orozco, Sandstars (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
Asterisms is on view until October 21st.
Gabriel Orozco, Sandstars (2012)
Gabriel Orozco, Astroturf Constellation (2012)
Photos Taken from Deutsche Guggenheim and The Huffington Post
—D. Creahan
Related Links:
Gabriel Orozco on PBS
Deutsche Guggenheim
