Items Similar to Placebo Prototype
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
General IdeaPlacebo Prototype1991
1991
About the Item
In 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant contribution to postmodern and conceptual art in Canada and beyond.
The group was both prolific and multi-disciplinary long before it became de rigueur. They worked across a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, installations, multiples, and performance.
With their subversive approach and interest in parody and appropriation, General Idea addressed a broad range of social (and art-world) issues such as the cult of the artist, mass media, queer identity, and consumerism.
At the onset of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, the illness (and the apathy/ignorance toward it) became a dominant theme in their work.
During this period, pills and capsules became a critical and omnipresent part of daily life for Partz and Zontal, who were both treated for the disease before their death in 1994.
Their frustration and skepticism towards the pharmaceutical industry, namely the astronomical costs of treating the illness and the apparent sluggishness in launching medications, became a focal point in their oeuvre and served as an avenue to investigate the industry and the individual's dependence on their production.
The pill became a recurring trope in their critique of the response to the AIDS crisis and was realized in a multitude of iterations. Included here is an in-situ photograph from the 2023/2024 General Idea retrospective at The Gropius Bau, Berlin, featuring "Green (Permanent) Placebo" 1991.
This hand-painted pill is completed in General Idea's signature shades of fluorescent blue and red. The pared-back aesthetic is indicative of General Idea's work from the 1990s when their output became notably sleek and minimal.
Questions about this piece? Contact us.
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
“Pla©ebo Prototype”
Canada, 1991
Fluorescent acrylic on wood
Signed, dated, placebo stamped, and inscribed on verso
6.5"W 2.5"H 1.25"D (work)
Very good condition
- Creator:
- Creation Year:1991
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Width: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Very good condition.
- Gallery Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:
General Idea
General Idea was commissioned by the Toronto Stock Exchange to install a work/mural. Shortly after the TSX published two prints, a lithograph poster and a limited edition print. However, most of the edition was destroyed/thrown away, when they moved from the trading floor at the TD Centre to their offices. As a result, the work has almost achieved mythological status amongst General Idea collectors.
About the Seller
4.8
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2015
176 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Coeur VolantBy General IdeaLocated in Toronto, OntarioIn 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant cont...Category
1990s Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsWax, Acrylic, Fiberboard
- East WallBy General IdeaLocated in Toronto, OntarioIn 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over 25 years, they made a significant contribution to po...Category
1980s Post-Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsGold Leaf
- CapsuleBy General IdeaLocated in Toronto, OntarioIn 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant cont...Category
1990s Post-Modern Paintings
MaterialsPaint, Paper, Silk
- Infected Coeur VolantBy General IdeaLocated in Toronto, OntarioIn 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant cont...Category
1990s Pop Art Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsWax, Acrylic, Fiberboard
- Charles Pachter "Dawn Barn"By Charles PachterLocated in Toronto, OntarioCharles Pachter (b. 1942) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. His iconic, uplifting and patriotic images have independently earned their place in the natio...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Acrylic
- Charles Pachter "Oro Barns"By Charles PachterLocated in Toronto, OntarioCharles Pachter (b. 1942) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. His iconic, uplifting and patriotic images have independently earned their place in the natio...Category
1980s Contemporary Abstract Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic
You May Also Like
- "Homage to Picasso, " Acrylic on Gourd signed by Kyle ZubatskyBy Kyle ZubatskyLocated in Milwaukee, WI"Homage to Picasso" is an acrylic on gourd signed by Kyle Zubatsky. This sculpture shows a nude woman. Her body is shown in the lower and larger part of the gourd, everything is circular. The face is pouty and a crown is made by yellow sticks around her head. Sculpture: 11.5 x 8 x 8 in Wisconsin artist Owner of the Tall Tree Gallery Used to co-own the Art Escape Gallery in Thiensville, WI with Diane Arenberg Volunteered her talents to Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition's "The Rare Chair Affair" an auction/event to raise awareness about Breast cancer; was a guest artist for ColettaScope 2008-10th Anniversary...Category
1990s Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsAcrylic
- Abstract Post-Modern Roman Ruins Mixed Media Wall Sculpture, "Classic Series"Located in Soquel, CAWonderful post-modern wall sculpture that is part of artist Jack Reilly (American, b. 1950) "Classics Series" solo exhibition held at the Boritzer-Gray Gallery in October, 1989 at Los Angeles. This unique piece juxtaposes classical motifs with 3 dimensional stacked geometrically modern shapes and hues. The combination of linear structure and color field painting with illusionary space resulted in a unique synthesis of abstraction and pictorial depth, which was sometimes referred to as "Abstract Illusionism." Signed and dated on verso "Jack Reilly, October 1989." Image size: 19"H x 29"W x 3.5"D Reilly's early work reflected various influences of prominent artists of the time including Frank Stella, Elsworth Kelly...Category
1980s Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMixed Media, Canvas, Acrylic Polymer, Acrylic
- "Miro, Miro, On the Wall... Who's the Fairest of Them All?..." Painted WoodBy Kyle ZubatskyLocated in Milwaukee, WI"Miro, Miro, On the Wall... Who's the Fairest of Them All?..." is a painted wood birdhouse homage to Miro signed by Kyle Zubatsky. This piece is surroun...Category
1990s Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Totem light . Mixed media on wood with LED lightBy Cari CohenLocated in Miami, USThis sculpture light is a captivating addition to the Art + Light series, where the interplay of light and art creates a unique and fascinating effect. The wooden cube is covered wit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsPlaster, Wood, LED Light, Mixed Media, Acrylic
- Contemporary Wall Sculpture Painting Installation House Brick ArchitectureBy Gary SczerbaniewiczLocated in Buffalo, NYBridge To Total Freedom No.3 (Diminishing Returns) (2017) by Gary Sczerbaniewicz. Wood, laser-cut MDF, cast plastic, plaster, ink, acrylic, paper.Category
2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPlastic, Plaster, Wood, Ink, Acrylic, Fiberboard, Paper
- Butterfly ChairBy Pedro FriedebergLocated in San Miguel de Allende, GuanajuatoPedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. Gold leaf, Ink and acrylic over wood. Signed by the artist. Includes certificate of authenticity.Category
1960s Surrealist Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsGold Leaf
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage General
Post Modern Wood Sculpture
Prototype Vintage
Cult Of Vintage
Vintage Fluorescent
Pill Sculpture
Fluorescent Sculpture
Red Pill
Vintage Queer Art
A A Bronson
Vintage Bronson
Acrylic Pill
Vintage Medications
Red Blue Pill Art
Horse Sculpture Spain
Spanish Horse Sculpture
Nest Sculpture
Native American Bronze Sculpture