Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)

Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) also known as the "candy spill,"[1] is a work of art produced by Félix González-Torres produced in 1991.[2] It consists of a pile of candies. Dimensions vary with installation however it ideally weighs 175lb, per Torres' vision.[2] Viewers are encouraged to take a piece of the candy.

Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)
A man taking a piece from the work.
ArtistFélix González-Torres
Year1991
Weight175lb
LocationArt Institute of Chicago

Background

In 1988, Torres' partner Ross Laycock was diagnosed with AIDS and died of it, the same year as Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.)'s creation.[3][4][lower-alpha 1] The piece serves as an "allegorical portrait," of Laycock's life.[3]

Description and showcase

Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) consists of a pile of candies individually wrapped in multicolor cellophane.[2] When displayed the pile of candies should ideally weigh 175lb—Laycock’s body weight when healthy.[3] Viewers are encouraged to take a piece and the artwork’s owner are to decide if it will be replenished.[3] Photos are discouraged, possibly due to the subject matter at hand.[5]

Art handlers at the Art Insitiute of Chicago, recalled that "During very busy periods, [we] may replenish the pile twice weekly, with approximately 45 pounds being added to the sculpture."[3] "On average, we add 15 or 20 pounds weekly." Sometimes the handlers would add candies to rebalance the piece’s color.[3]

As of 2019 the piece is featured in multiple art museums around the world.[6]

Interpretations

Jennifer Tucker of Sartle described it as "cannibalistic," and "religious," noting how "By taking a piece, you are taking Ross with you, thus making him omnipresent."[7] Others like Lauren Weinberg of Time Out Chicago interpreted it similarly: "the diminishment recalls how he wasted away before dying."[3] The Art Story Foundation viewed the candy eating aspect as "[one becoming] complicit in the disappearing process - akin to the years-long public health crisis of HIV/AIDS."[1]

Legacy

The Art Story Foundation called Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) "one of Gonzalez-Torres's most recognizable works."[1]

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References
  1. "Gonzalez-Torres Artworks & Famous Paintings". The Art Story. Archived from the original on 2020-07-13. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  2. Staff, Public Delivery (2016-11-16). "Why did Félix González-Torres put free candy in a museum?". Public Delivery. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
  3. Weinberg, Lauren (March 19, 2013). "Art Institute candy sculpture | What's up with that?". Time Out Chicago. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
  4. Diamond, Shawn (2016). "Requiem for the shadows: Poetry, spirituality, and future memory in the light strings of Felix Gonzalez-Torres". Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  5. Eckardt, Stephanie (March 13, 2016). "Felix Gonzalez-Torres's Candy Installation at the Met Breuer". W. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
  6. Ankus, Justin (November 17, 2019). ""Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) Felix Gonzalez-Torres | Urban Splatter". Urban Splatter. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
  7. Tucker, Jennifer (2016-07-21). "Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) [Felix Gonzalez-Torres]". Sartle. Retrieved 2020-08-01.

Notes
  1. Laycock was likely feeling the effects of HIV before his diagnosis.[4]
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