On The Wall: Contemporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper is ubiquitous in domestic settings, but it has rarely been given the kind of attention bestowed on fine-art objects or other applied arts. Contemporary artists have discovered the potential of wallpaper as a medium for both its aesthetic and political overtones.

This publication documents two related exhibitions mounted at the RISD Museum and FWM in 2003. The images and essays explore the current, vibrant wallpaper art scene, and provide an overview of the ups and downs of wallpaper’s history as an art form. Thirty-nine contemporary artists are represented as well as relevant historical material.

RISD artists: Ann Agee, John Baldessari, Matthew Benedict, Brian Chippendale, Adam Cvijanovic, General Idea, Robert Gober, Rodney Graham, Renée Green, Jenny Holzer, Jim Isermann, Virgil Marti, Jane Masters, Takashi Murakami, Joan Nelson, Paul Noble, Jorge Pardo, Francesco Simeti, Do-Ho Suh, Christine Tarkowski, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, and William Wegman.

FWM artists: John Baldessari, Mike Bidlo, Adam Cvijanovic, Drew Dominick, Nicole Eisenman, Viola Frey, General Idea, Robert Gober, Lonnie Graham, Rodney Graham, Renée Green, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Jenny Holzer, Jim Isermann, Peter Kogler, Roy Lichtenstein, Glenn Ligon, Virgil Marti, Jane Masters, Michael Mercil, Takashi Murakami, Paul Noble, Jorge Pardo, Matthew Ritchie, Francesco Simeti, Kiki Smith, Will Stokes, Jr., Do-Ho Suh, Rosemarie Trockel, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, William Wegman, and Rob Wynne.