Derrick Adams

"Derrick Adams is a multidisciplinary New York-based artist with practices rooted in Deconstructivist philosophies" (Derrick's bio 1). Wikipedia describes Deconstuctivist architecture as "characterized by fragmentation, and interest in manipulating a structure's surface or skin, non-rectilinear shapes which appear to distort and dislocate elements of architecture, such as structure and envelope" (Deconstructivism 1). Deconstructivism's emergence in architecture is tied to two preceding forms of art, minimalism and cubism, "Analytical cubism has a sure effect on deconstructivism, as forms and content are dissected and viewed from different perspectives simultaneously" Deconstructivism 2. "The collage works on paper create minimal geometric constructions of angular figures that seemingly live both in a state of deconstruction at the same time as if in the process of being built" (Derrick bio 2).

HEAD #12 (floor plan), Mixed media collage on paper, 36 inches x 36 inches, 2012.

In Head #12 (floor plan) Derrick successfully manipulates depth, particularly how the surface of the figure is read. The darkest section lays directly against the lightest at the cheekbone, contradicting the way shadows naturally form. Head #12 (floor plan) seems unfinished in this respect, as if fragmented layers are coming through prematurely. "Architectural processes and their different presentation strategies are important in the work: footprints, floor plans, elevation sections, visual rendering and the constructed object, acts as various developmental states and approaches and serve as a comparative investigation into the physical construction of the figure" (Derrick's bio 3).

Derrick's "focus is on fragmentation and manipulation of structure and surface - exploring shape-shifting forces of popular culture and its counter balances in our lives" (Derrick's bio 4). Derrick's performative works shares these philosophies.

Ask The President, performance documentation, Adams’ Go Stand Next To The Mountain, The Kitchen,  NYC, 2012.

In Ask The President Adams's has brought to life a man who would normally be existing as a deceased president on U.S. notes. This is communicated simply enough by creating a cut-out in a large hundred-dollar bill wooden, sculptural object. Here he explores popular culture as he transforms into arguably the most powerful being on the planet.

What I can take away from Derrick Adams is his use of props. Adams's genius with theatrical objects is evident here as well,

Crossroads, Digital Photograph, edition of 5, 34 in. x 48 in., 2012.

Derrick Adams use of props is thought out and simple. Lessons are to be learned here.