Ann Hamilton believes in a strong connection between the line of sewing and the line of writing, the unifying theme being art. She thinks that each thread of cloth together making a piece is a powerful social metaphor. The relation between the written line, sewn line, and drawn line are about the fundamental act of making. Words are a material like anything else. Her work is broad, ranging from balls of text, to toothpick covered suits, to installation projects. She talks about installation as "animating space." I like her work. It's well thought out, and a little weird.
John Feodorov creates spiritual altars creating "kitsch-objects". He notes how in modern culture, animals have become "Disney-fied" whereas totem animals used to be powerful and command respect. He combines totems using toys, various religions, and sawdust to represent ashes to create some of the strangest, most bewildering artwork I've ever seen in one presentation. His art incorporates and exploits ambiguity and contradiction found in society. His particular interest in Navajo culture and religion stems from Navajo roots, combined with Jehova's Witness Christianity. These completely opposed cultures definitely took part in making his work the way it is. His other work, such as the teddybears with masks, also focus on Navajo tradition and obstruction in modern culture. I like it, but it's a little too weird for me.
What specifically do you like about Ann Hamilton's work? You get a bit more detailed with your opinions on Feodorov's work.
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