The New York artist Rachel Harrison (*1966) does not present any theory, but a confusing kaleidoscope of pictures and sculptures, in which different sign and reference systems clash with one another.Voyage of the Beagle denotes a series of photos documenting curious sculptures of everyday life. But it is also a direct reference to Charles Darwin's first publication, in which he presented observations that he made during his five-year research expedition on the ship "HMS BeagleÓ, which were later the foundation for the theory of evolution. In Rachel Harrison's work, historical references from Surrealism to abstract Expressionism are combined with popular cultural kitsch, politics and consumer objects. They reflect a provocatively instable picture of the world made up of apparently meaningless fragments; but these can never be viewed in isolation. A comprehensive catalogue has been published for the exhibition, including contributions by John Kelsey, Heike Munder and Ellen Seifermann at JRP|Ringier, Zurich. The exhibition Rachel Harrison – Voyage of the Beagle is organised by the Kunsthalle Nürnberg and the migros museum für gegenwartskunst, Zurich.


From top to bottom:

Claude Levi-Strauss, 2007, 6 components, mixed media, Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York

Trees for the Forest, 2007, mixed media, Collection of migros museum für gegenwartskunst, Zürich, Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York


Fats Domino, 2007, mixed media, Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York
Johnny Depp, 2007, mixed media, Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York
Deception of Daytona, 2007, mixed media, Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York