The Condition Where Art Would Disappear at 500 Capp by David Ireland
Did you know a living sculpture resides at 500 Capp Street in the Mission? From 1974 until 2004 conceptual artist David Ireland called this address home. In this show curated by Lian Ladia, we have a chance to explore the works of this legendary artist. Ireland is known internationally for his diverse body of work that utilized the beauty of everyday things. He often relied on materials such as dirt, concrete, and wood or wire as materials for his sculptures, architecture, painting and performance. During the time Ireland lived at 500 Capp Street, he converted the house and studio into a work of art in itself. In his practice, he constantly asked the question “What is work and how does it occur?”
The back parlor of 500 Capp st complete with a blow torch powered chandelier and fire drawings. All photography by Vita Hewitt.
Just stepping in to the house is an art experience. Glossy walls in rich shades of yellow and gold surround the viewer. A chandelier powered by blow torches dangles over bowls created in the shape of the artist’s kneecaps. A curved wall that was an original part of the house becomes an artwork. Ireland placed brooms used by the previous owners that he found when he moved in intentionally in every room. The worn bristles lend themselves to imagined stories of their use. Every bit of the structure becomes a part of the larger work of art that is the house.
A curved wall that was original to the house becomes a part of the work.
One of Ireland’s most well known quotes was “You can’t make art by making art.” It is often utilized to summarize the philosophy that guided his interdisciplinary practice. Visual puns and ephemera of every day life are a frequent part of the works at 500 Capp Street. Cracks in the walls from both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes frame delicate swirling sculptures before them. For Ireland, art and life were intertwined. Objects take on their own mythos at 500 Capp with a golden aura gifted to them by the artist.
Marcel B. (1980-1994.)
His sculpture often includes visual puns in reference to conceptual artists like Marcel Broodthaers, John Cage or Yves Klein. Sound and chance are just as important to the works as material and skill. A cascade of blue-paint-spattered kipper cans entitled Marcel B. (1980-1994) named for Broodthaers. Scatalogical objects in Yves Klein blue sit for inspection in a matching tray. Klein had a special blue color made, just for him, to be used only for his pieces. In this work Ireland removed the exclusivity of the color by using it in his own work and referred to it ironically by using the….shapes that he chose. Klein’s idea of using color to liberate the senses and intensify the human experience was highly prized by Ireland.
A commemorative plaque dedicated to the first time the safe got away while the artist was moving it. There are so many playful moments here.
A plaque next to a gouge in one wall announces THE SAFE GETS AWAY FOR THE SECOND TIME NOVEMBER 5, 1975. Farther up the stairs, another plaque marks the location where the wayward safe escaped while being moved for the first time. All of this is part of the current exhibition. It is an art experience unique to San Francisco and the first time David Ireland’s work has been on display in such concentration since 2016.
David Ireland was once a student at California School of Arts and Crafts. Jennifer Rissler, the Interim Executive Director displays his grade card for a class in mechanical drawing.
In addition to the house being a work of art, 500 Capp Street houses a collection and archive of paper and ephemera of past and present Bay Area conceptual artists, including catalogs of artist-run spaces such as New Langton Arts and 65 Capp Street. They also offer exhibitions, programs and educational work shops. There are always new shows and uniques art events to attend. Admission is free. Guided tours are on Fridays at 2 pm and 4 pm.
My favorite piece on display in the archive. A 1,000,000 Laughs by Peggy Ann Ingalls. The word “Ha” repeats one million times on the pages.
To learn more: https://500cappstreet.org/our-mission/
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