The U.S.A. (burnt/unburnt) installation could very well be a fire hazard. But don't call the fire department, because it is also a work of art. It is a visually striking map of the United States made entirely out of matchsticks. Although similar to one of the the artist's last creations for the No Family Life exhibit back in 2011, the U.S.A. (burnt/unburnt) installation was not set on fire.
Created by Claire Fontaine, an artist based in Paris, France, the U.S.A. (burnt/unburnt) installation is made up of 50,000 matches, to be exact. Exhibited at the Queen’s Nails gallery in San Francisco, her work, as written on her website, "can be described as an ongoing interrogation of the political impotence and the crisis of singularity that seem to define contemporary art today."
Combustible Matchstick Maps
U.S.A. (burnt/unburnt) by Claire Fontaine is Frighteningly Flammable
Trend Themes
1. Combustible Art Installations - This trend explores the creation of visually striking artworks made from materials that pose a potential fire hazard, presenting opportunities for artists to push boundaries and provoke reactions.
2. Maps as Art - This trend involves the use of maps as a medium for artistic expression, offering innovative ways to communicate social, political, or personal messages and allowing artists to challenge conventional boundaries.
3. Political Art Interrogation - This trend focuses on art installations that serve as a critique of political impotence and societal crises, providing artists with a platform to express their thoughts and challenge the status quo.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can embrace the trend of combustible art installations to inspire new forms of artistic expression and innovative mediums.
2. Tourism and Events - The tourism and events industry can leverage the trend of maps as art to create unique and immersive experiences for travelers, combining geographical knowledge with cultural exploration.
3. Social and Political Activism - The social and political activism industry can utilize political art interrogation to spark discussions, raise awareness, and advocate for change on critical societal issues.