BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art explores the imaginative ways that air is used as a tool to create large-scale sculptures. The artists in BLOW UP II translate everyday materials and imagery into larger-than-life, yet nearly lighter-than-air art that is rich with meaning, resulting in a wide array of works that are figurative, conceptual, and abstract. Inflatable works are often initially regarded as whimsical or humorous, yet they can contain serious critiques of pop-culture, social norms and the politics of space. BLOW UP II explores the complex relationship between the familiarity of the material combined with serious commentary, creating a dialogue around reinterpretation. Organized by Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA and produced in response to their popular 2015 traveling exhibition, BLOW UP I.

Objects
The exhibition is composed of approximately 15 large-scale inflatable sculptures/installations. A full checklist is available upon request.

Artists
Chromaforms (Oakland, CA), Sharon Engelstein (Houston, TX), FriendsWithYou (Los Angeles, CA), Joshua Harker (Ann Arbor, MI), Susan Lee-Chun (Miami, FL), Matt Ritchie (San Francisco, CA), Lizabeth Rossof (Denver, CO), Jen Stark (Los Angeles, CA), and Max Streicher (Toronto, Canada).

Images
View a sampling of images below.

Provided materials
-digital files wall labels including the artists’ statements/biographies & Curator’s introductory panel
-audio tour files
-installation information
-touring tips
-press guide with links to high-resolution images
-all major equipment (eg. blowers) is provided

Space Required
325 running feet / 3,500+ sq. feet approximately. This exhibition is easily scalable for smaller or larger venues.

Security
Moderate-High. Indoor installation only.

Limited Availability
Early February 2022 – Spring 2023. Full tour schedule available upon request.

Rental Fee
Very reasonable. Email here to inquire.