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:
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.”
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.”
3rd Place – Wolfgang Puck – Untitled
“What can we say? A perennial staff lunch special.”
Visual Arts – 1 pumpkin = 1 pumpkin
“Inspired by Thomas Hirschhorn’s Cavemanman. This installation/environment is part of the Heart of Darkness exhibition.”
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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