Paul McCarthy (b. 1945) lives and works in Los Angeles. Paul McCarthy is among the most important and influential artists of his generation in the US. His reputation is that of a critical analyst of a mass media and consumer-driven American society. Since 2000, he has collaborated closely with his son Damon McCarthy (b. 1973) on a number of complex performative video installations, such as “Caribbean Pirates” (2001-2005), “F-Fort Party” (2005), “Piccadilly Circus” and “Bunker Basement” (both 2003). The exhibition at Galerie Hauser & Wirth presents a series of photo portfolios related to the large-scale projects they produced in recent years. Paul McCarthy / Damon McCarthy: Portfolios (March 31 – May 26, 2007), Hauser & Wirth Zürich, impressions from the opening, March 30, 2007.

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“Making use of a provocative formal vocabulary, the McCarthys have been probing the icons and stereotypes of western culture and its entertainment industry. In their joint works, Paul usually acts as performer and director, Damon as cinematographer and editor, however the projects are conceived and constructed in collaboration. The show at Galerie Hauser & Wirth presents a series of photo portfolios related to the large-scale projects they produced in recent years. The two artists’ collaboration is based on creative exchange. Their working relationship when developing and realising their projects is conceived in terms of an independent film studio. All collaborators (director, cast, camera operators, producer) work together in an open hierarchy where the improvised and unforeseeable play an essential part. The photographs by Ann-Marie Rounkle were taken during the performances. They serve to document the performance aspect of the works, and at the same time are an integral part of the creative process.” (PR H&W).

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