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Tony Feher, “Blue Tower,” 1997, Styrofoam, 42¾ by 24 inches. Collection of Eileen and Michael Cohen, New York, courtesy D’Amelio Terras, New York, and PaceWildenstein, New York City.

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Richard Tuttle, “Lonesome Cowboy Styrofoam #7,” 1988, mixed media on Styrofoam, 21¾ by 16 by 2 inches, courtesy of Sperone Westwater, New York.

MUST RUN 4/18

‘STYROFOAM’ ON VIEW AT RISD MUSEUM w/2 cuts

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On view through July 20, the RISD Museum of Art presents “Styrofoam,” an exhibition of works by ten artists made of the commonplace material known for its lightweight quality and wide application.

“Styrofoam” highlights both the earlier and current uses of this material by artists in a wide range of styles and approaches. The exhibition was organized by Judith Tannenbaum, Richard Brown Baker curator of contemporary art. The artists in the exhibition are Heide Fasnacht, Tony Feher, Tom Friedman, Folkert de Jong, Steve Keister, Sol LeWitt, Bruce Pearson, Shirley Tse, Richard Tuttle and B. Wurtz.

Styrofoam is not new to most artists as a material. Its cheap availability and malleability have made it a staple in the making of models and molds for casting. But today more artists are using it as a primary material or as subject matter in its own right. The exhibition presents a diverse group of artists who have found the material to be both inspiring and practical.

Tannenbaum became interested in how artists were using Styrofoam products several years ago when she began to see it appearing more and more at galleries and art fairs. Since that time, she has discovered that there is a historical precedent by several established figures such as minimalist sculptor Carl Andre who created important works in the 1960s.

Since the 1960s, Richard Tuttle has produced an influential body of drawings, prints, artist’s books, paintings and sculptural objects composed of humble, everyday materials such as wire, cloth, string, pins, cardboard, plywood, bubble wrap and Styrofoam. Works from his “Lonesome Cowboy Styrofoam” series, 1988, will be included in the exhibition along with the related book that he produced.

Above the de Jong “Piper” hangs Fasnacht’s “Exploding Airplane.” Styrofoam’s near-weightlessness makes it a perfect medium to be installed aloft, and Fasnacht deftly explores its gravity-defying properties in this silver-painted installation that seems frozen in the midst of obliteration.

A gallery night will take place Thursday, April 17, from 5 to 9 pm, including a gallery talk at 6 pm with Tannenbaum, and at 7 pm, Artists Speak, organized by RISD students representing Respond/Design. Respond/Design is currently exploring ways for the campus to continue a push towards environmentally conscious practices and reducing carbon footprint.

For information, 401-454-6500 or www.risdmuseum.org.