Kian B., Human Capital Stock

ALT A beige Art Institute of Chicago gallery plaque reading: Felix Gonzalez-Torres American, born Cuba, 1957-1996 "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A) 1991 Candies individually wrapped in multicolor cellophane This installation is an allegorical portrait of the artist's partner, Ross Laycock, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1991. The 175 pounds of candy can be seen to correspond to Laycock's ideal body weight. Adult visitors are invited to take a piece of candy; the diminishing pile parallels Laycock's weight loss prior to his death. The museum can choose to replenish the pile, metaphorically ensuring Laycock perpetual life, or to let the pile disappear over time.

ALT A banal beige Art Institute of Chicago gallery plaque reading: Felix Gonzalez-Torres American, born Cuba, 1957-1996 "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A) 1991 Candies individually wrapped in multicolor cellophane, endless supply Overall dimensions vary with installation; ideal weight: 175 lbs. Felix Gonzalez-Torres's work is characterized by a sense of quiet elegy. He possessed an uncanny ability to produce elegant and restrained sculptural forms out of common materials. "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) consists of commercially available shiny wrapped confections. The physical form of the work changes depending on the way it is installed. The ideal weight of the work, 175 pounds, corresponds to the average body weight of an adult male. As visitors choose to take candy from the work, the volume and weight of the work decrease.