Art Antics

Whether they were creating inflatable pillow-like structures or burying the front ends of cars in the ground to form Cadillac Ranch (right), the members of Ant Farm pushed the boundaries of installation art. With a sharp eye, the art and architecture collective—founded in San Francisco during the late 1960s—criticized consumerism while experimenting with video, design and performance art. The ICA pays them homage in the only East Coast showing of “Ant Farm: 1968-1978,” a photographic, videotaped and published record of their work that runs through Dec. 12. Also on display is work by Pepón Osorio, based on his three-year artist’s residence at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services; “Exhibiting Mediality,” a reconstruction of a work by late 1960s Argentinean artist David Lamelas; and a large wall work by post-Surrealist Amy Sillman.
— H.A.D.

 

ON THE FARM: The ICA kicks off the fall season with four new exhibits. Walkthrough for members Sept. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.; free reception open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. Otherwise, $3 adults, $2 children/artists/senior citizens, free with PennCard. Institute of Contemporary Arts, 118, S. 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or http://www.icaphila.org.

Members of Ant Farm push the boundaries of installation art.