ArtPrize - Sep. 23 - Oct. 8, 2009 - Grand Rapids, MI
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Artist information:
Thomas "Tj" Aitken
Holland, MI
Text voting ID: Tooltip
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57 Descending
57 Descending
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  • 57 Descending
  • 57 Descending
  • Car chase composit
  • Car Chase front
  • Impacted female from Car Chase
  • Car chase side view
  • Car Chase wake
  • Car Chase
    

Thomas "Tj" Aitken

Artist bio

Installation Artist, creativity management consultant. Exhibits: 09- ArtPrize top 25, GR Arts Council Show – April/May. Sculptures on the Square- Troy Ohio May-Sept Muskegan Regional Jun. 08-Solo Show “Auto Impact”Logsdon1909 Chicago, Velocity invitational Minneapolis, Awards at Marshal Fredricks museum show Saginaw. 07– One Man show Holland Civic Center “What’s in your Worship” 1st Place award– Eyes on the Classics Automotive Art- Gross Point Mi. Tj Aitken grew up near Detroit, worked in show car prototypes , then did his BFA. In the 80s his Colorado studio did museum replicas and sculpture. 90s’ saw him back in Michigan managing 3D design while sculpting art privately. 98 was a European assignment where he lectured at design schools, worked in several countries, and studied the masters. He brought new perspective on America home. His theme & passion: “Impact of the Auto on Human Society”as figurative & abstract pieces.
About the work
Title: 57 Descending

Art form: 3-D, Film / Video

Medium: Cast Cement, and projection

Year created: 2010

Description of work: 14 foot abstraction modeled from car components. The famous 50's fins spiral into a 3D composition about motion. It heralds the transition to the age of descent of the automobile. The ArtPrize version may have an electronic projection in or on the base, with images about the descent of the car culture. Like DuChamp's Nude descending, it indicates motion as it foretells new trends in society.

The work is currently under construction to be finished for September. Patination will be richer than the 42" version pictured.
Technical details
Linear wall space needed: n/a
Total square feet needed: 200 sq. ft.
Additional considerations
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: Yes

Lighting and possible projection
Lighting needed: Yes
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: Yes
Indoor space needed: No
Outdoor space needed: Yes
Grand Rapids Public Museum - Exhibition Center Thomas "Tj" Aitken is showing at:
 Grand Rapids Public Museum - Exhibition Center
272 Pearl ST NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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Artist resume

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