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Genevieve Gaignard

Strange Fruit

March 19May 7, 2022

Gallery I

This image illustrates a link to the exhibition titled Genevieve Gaignard: Strange Fruit

Vielmetter Los Angeles is pleased to present Strange Fruit, the gallery’s second solo exhibition with Genevieve Gaignard, opening Saturday, March 19 and running through May 7, 2022.

With Strange Fruit, Genevieve Gaignard opens a door to haunting nostalgia of America’s relationship to racial violence. This exhibition marks her most extensive and provocative body of work to date, focusing on historical and modern-day acts of lynching. The title, borrowed from Billie Holiday’s iconic song, interfaces a range of unapologetic commentary on the American psyche, simulating its inseparable tie to the horrors visited upon black people. This work emerges against history’s recent spate of calls for racial justice and draws attention to this country’s racial progress—or lack thereof. Strange Fruit asks: Do you only want to see what you believe?

In Strange Fruit, Gaignard returns to figurines as her primary element. In the past, she has removed and discarded the heads of Royal Doulton figurines and replaced them with the heads of mammy housewares. Now, she brings us The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree, a display of life-sized Royal Doulton heads, tenderly placed upon plinths, symbolizing two different things: rediscovery in her practice, and simultaneously what goes unnoticed in our society. With these heads, figures of idealized white beauty evolve into a presentation of implied violence, or trophies. In the work titled Strange Fruit on the Juke Samantha Farrell, Gaignard’s childhood friend, sings a rendition of Strange Fruit that plays from a refurbished vintage jukebox, outfitted to fit within Gaignard’s slippery landscape. Pulling on American sentimentality while reinforcing the place of song and protest in this work, this piece is a connector for Gaignard’s preoccupations in the show. Gaignard’s choices—the wallpaper, the ever-present bric-a-brac, re-tooled gumball machines, and neon—transport us into childhood and by-gone eras, but more importantly, they serve as cues to see the visual rhymes and dissonance in the work and systems of our world.

One seminal work in the exhibition, The American Dream is a Pyramid Scheme, is marching for justice, personified. A mountain of headless salt and pepper shaker mammy figurines opens the cupboard to expose materials of America’s past. At all once, Gaignard ushers caricature into confrontation, conjuring the march of millions, “SAY HER NAME,” the terracotta soldiers, and a history of resistance that relies on collective voice and body. These vessels patrol every direction, in some sense steering viewers, as the exhibition is meant to do, into an experience of imagining others’ realities and challenging how we assign value to objects and people.

In a series of sumptuous new photographs, Off With Their Heads, Gaignard embodies Royal Doulton figurines, posing amongst florals and fruit, against the background of a stately yet profoundly dilapidated mansion. Evoking the Southern Gothic tradition, Gaignard undermines a host of social hierarchies, standards of beauty, superiority, and race, leading us to a dreamlike place where these narratives might appear absurd and fragile. Gaignard inserts herself into the work, mining her own experiences to encourage reflection of the past and provoke a change in thinking. Strange Fruit entices you to images of seeming beauty—intricate portraits, layered installations, and sophisticated collage and assemblage—that serve as props to expand a narrative that still requires a major revision.

Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: For The Crows To Pluck,” 2022
Chromogenic print
48 ³⁄₄" x 72 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (123.82 x 184.78 x 5.08 cm) framed; 48" x 72" [HxW] (121.92 x 182.88 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN383.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_383_OffWithTheirHeadsForTheCrowsToPluck_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: The Gallant South,” 2022
Chromogenic print
48 ³⁄₄" x 72 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (123.82 x 184.78 x 5.08 cm) framed; 48" x 72" [HxW] (121.92 x 182.88 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN388.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_388_OffWithTheirHeadsTheGallantSouth_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: Ruminate,” 2022
Chromogenic print
60 ³⁄₄" x 40 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (154.3 x 103.5 x 5.08 cm) framed; 60" x 40" [HxW] (152.4 x 101.6 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN384.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_384_OffWithTheirHeadsRuminate_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Strange & Bitter Crop,” 2022
Found crates, dried floral and fruit prop, on painted wood pallet
8" x 24" x 15 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (20.32 x 60.96 x 39.36 cm) each; 51 ¹⁄₂" x 47" x 48" [HxWxD] (130.81 x 119.38 x 121.92 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN369
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
gen369_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Closer I Get To You: Amy & Kevin,” 2022
Mixed media on panels
Diptych; 10" x 8" x 2" [HxWxD] (25.4 x 20.32 x 5.08 cm) each
Inventory #GEN399
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
unnamed---2022-04-09T131423.983.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Can I Call You Rose? (Cuz Your Fragrance Takes Over the Room),” 2022
Mixed media on panels
Diptych; 36" x 24" x 3" [HxWxD] (91.44 x 60.96 x 7.62 cm) each
Inventory #GEN395
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
gen395_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Do You Only Want to See What You Believe?,” 2022
Found mirrors, vintage wallpaper
100" x 86" [HxW] (254 x 218.44 cm)
Inventory #GEN368
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
gen368_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: I See Ghosts,” 2022
Chromogenic print
48 ³⁄₄" x 72 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (123.82 x 184.78 x 5.08 cm) framed; 48" x 72" [HxW] (121.92 x 182.88 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN385.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_385_OffWithTheirHeadsISeeGhosts_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: Hand In Glove,” 2022
Chromogenic print
60 ³⁄₄" x 40 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (154.3 x 103.5 x 5.08 cm) framed; 60" x 40" [HxW] (152.4 x 101.6 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN390.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_390_OffWithTheirHeadsHandInGlove_framed_wallpaper_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Pink Lady),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN357
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen357_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Honey Crisp),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN362
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen362_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Golden Delicious),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN359
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen359_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Honey Gold),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN361
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen361_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Red Delicious),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN360
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen360_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree (Granny Smith),” 2022
Resin figurine, pink ribbon, red satin pillow, vintage wallpaper on plinth
53 ¹⁄₂" x 16" x 16" [HxWxD] (135.89 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm) overall
Inventory #GEN358
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen358_hires-(1).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Strange Fruit on the Juke,” 2022
Refurbished jukebox, vintage wallpaper, rendition of Strange Fruit by Samantha Farrell
49 ³⁄₄" x 40 ¹⁄₂" x 24" [HxWxD] (126.37 x 102.87 x 60.96 cm)
Inventory #GEN364
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen364_hires-(2).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Strange Fruit in Neon,” 2022
Neon, vintage wallpaper on panel
48" x 36" [HxW] (121.92 x 91.44 cm);
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN366.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen366.01_hires-(5).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The American Dream is A Pyramid Scheme,” 2022
81 headless figurines on tiers, doily, vintage wallpaper on plinth
65" x 24" x 24" [HxWxD] (165.1 x 60.96 x 60.96 cm)
Inventory #GEN334
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
Gaignard_334_TheAmericanDreamIsAPyramidScheme_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“And Still We Bloom,” 2022
Mixed media collage on panel
36" x 24" [HxW] (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
Inventory #GEN392
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
unnamed---2022-04-09T131429.158.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Family Tree,” 2022
Mixed media, vintage wallpaper
10' x 9' ¹⁄₂" x 54" [HxWxD] (304.8 x 275.59 x 137.16 cm)
Inventory #GEN372
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen372_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“The Salt Of The Earth in Neon,” 2022
Neon, vintage wallpaper on panel
48" x 36" [HxW] (121.92 x 91.44 cm)
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN367.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen367.01_hires-(2).jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“These Strange Times,” 2022
Vintage clock with mixed media
80 ¹⁄₂" x 22 ¹⁄₂" x 10" [HxWxD] (204.47 x 57.15 x 25.4 cm)
Inventory #GEN365
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen365_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: And Just Like That,” 2022
Chromogenic print
36 ³⁄₄" x 54 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (93.34 x 139.06 x 5.08 cm) framed; 36" x 54" [HxW] (91.44 x 137.16 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN387.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_387_OffWithTheirHeadsAndJustLikeThat_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: Sweet Magnolia,” 2022
Chromogenic print
40 ³⁄₄" x 60 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (103.5 x 154.3 x 5.08 cm) framed; 40" x 60" [HxW] (101.6 x 152.4 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN382.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_382_OffWithTheirHeadsSweetMagnolia_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: M'Lady,” 2022
Chromogenic print
36 ¹⁄₂" x 24 ¹⁄₂" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (92.71 x 62.23 x 3.81 cm) framed; 36" x 24" [HxW] (91.44 x 60.96 cm)
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN386.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_386_OffWithTheirHeadsM'Lady_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Off With Their Heads: How Fickle Is Woman,” 2022
Chromogenic print
48 ³⁄₄" x 32 ³⁄₄" x 2" [HxWxD] (123.82 x 83.18 x 5.08 cm) framed; 48" x 32" [HxW] (121.92 x 81.28 cm) print size
Edition 1 of 3, 2 AP
Inventory #GEN389.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Brica Wilcox
Gaignard_380_OffWithTheirHeadsHowFickleIsWoman_framed_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Darker the Berry,” 2022
Mixed media
19" x 22" x 8" [HxWxD] (48.26 x 55.88 x 20.32 cm)
Inventory #GEN374
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen374_hires.jpg
Genevieve Gaignard
“Free Brittney Griner,” 2022
Birdcage with stand, custom porcelain figurine, doily
50" x 12" x 12" [HxWxD] (127 x 30.48 x 30.48 cm)
Inventory #GEN401
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Jeff McLane
gen401_hires.jpg

About the Artist

Genevieve Gaignard (b. 1981) lives and works in Los Angeles, CA and Massachusetts. Recent solo exhibitions include “Genevieve Gaignard, This is America: The Unsettling Contradictions in American Identity,” Atlanta Contemporary, Atlanta, GA; “Bloom Projects: Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In,” Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA (2020); “I’m Sorry I Never Told You That You’re Beautiful,” Vielmetter Los Angeles, CA (2019); “Counterfeit Currency,” FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY (2018); “Smell the Roses,” California African American Museum, Los Angeles, CA (2016). Her work has been included in numerous group exhibitions at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA; The San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, CA; The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX; The Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA; The National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.; Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Bentonville, AR; Studio Museum in Harlem, NY; Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Adams, MA; Prospect.4, New Orleans. Genevieve Gaignard received her BFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, and her MFA in Photography from Yale University, New Haven, CT.