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In this piece regular thumbtacks have been used in their usual, intended way, stuck into cork bulletin boards, but with unexpected results. The Mona Lisa was used as the basis for these mosaics because it is very recognizable, as art, to most people (with money) in the industrialized world. It appears the artist’s intent is to call attention the latent, or potential beauty of mundane objects.

Each piece of the triptych uses a different zoom level, 1x, 3x and 6x. All of the panels use the same number of tacks to communicate an image. It’s possible the artist is trying to say “Context is really important” or maybe “Resolution is a funny thing.” Even though the third panel provides more detail in the face, it’s less obvious this is the Mona Lisa. The first, and coarser image with background, or full context, is more easily recognized as Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.

The highly ornate frame is an integral part of this piece. It has been severely burned, and then stabilized using space-age polymers. Statements the artist may be making with this frame:

• Beauty in the “every day” should be recognized, appreciated, even celebrated.
• Black is beautiful.
• Maarten Baas is brilliant.
• Smoke adds flavor.
• Nothing is too good to mess with.

Some details:

• Overall dimensions (including frame): 77.5″w x 43.5″h
• Resolution of each panel: 49×76
• Total number of thumbtacks: 11,172
• Approximate weight: Very heavy
• Status: FOR SALE, $7,999.9997 - Contact Tracy Sigler

Larger image, Crazy big image

Details: burnt frame, left eye of third panel

Triptych sans frame with guitar for scale reference.

Originally from I’m Heavy Duty! on June 19, 2006, 8:03pm