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The (conceptual) art of pumpkin carving: Vol. III

Posted October 31, 2006 at 5:10 pm — Filed under:

The much-anticipated staff pumpkin-carving contest–again demonstrating the triumph of concept over carving–came and went yesterday. Below are highlights of the 2006 smackdown, with top honors going to a wrestling-inspired homage to the work of Cameron Jamie. Kristen Mors, contest organizer and our visitors’ services specialist in Visual Arts, New Media, and Design, offers commentary:

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1st Place – Visitor Services – PP

“Cameron Jamie’s super-8 film, BB, and corresponding portraiture caused some sort of OCD-driven reaction. Thank god the voters liked it.”

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2nd Place – Events and Media Production with Performing Arts – Forgeries

“Inspired by Meg Stuart and Benot Lachambre with Hahn Rowe. For their performance Love, Forgeries, and Other Matters (April 2006), the McGuire stage was transformed into a monumental plush hill courtesy of EMP. I guess it made an impression upon them. Love, Forgeries, and Other Matters was my favorite performance of the season.”

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3rd Place – Wolfgang Puck – Untitled

“What can we say? A perennial staff lunch special.”

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Visual Arts – 1 pumpkin = 1 pumpkin

“Inspired by Thomas Hirschhorn’s Cavemanman. This installation/environment is part of the Heart of Darkness exhibition.”

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Walker Shop – Sirens?

Kiki Smith: A Gathering 1980-2005 influenced these gorgeous pumpkin-headed birds.”

See previous year’s entries: 2005, 2004.

Photos: Cameron Wittig

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