Anxious Objects: Willie Cole's Favorite Brands

Fun, funky and provocative, Willie Cole's art explores identity, race relations, consumerism, the environment and other contemporary concerns. Bicycles, irons, hair dryers and high-heeled shoes are among the urban artifacts he transforms into powerful, iconic, "Africanized" works.

This nationally touring, midcareer retrospective features 31 assemblages, prints and mixed-media works created between 1988 and 2006. At MAG, the exhibition includes a work that's not part of the original tour-a monumental chessboard from a private collection, with lawn jockey playing pieces.

This exhibition was organized by the Montclair Art Museum with support from the State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury; Agnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro; the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; Altria Group, Inc.; Ruth and William True; Merrill Lynch; the Cowles Charitable Trust; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and by funds from the Judith Targan Endowment Fund for Museum Publications of the Montclair Art Museum.

The exhibition will be on view through March 11, 2007, at Gramd Gallery. -- mag.rochester.edu