Tea Bag
- Date
- 1965, published 1966
- made in
- New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Mixed media
- Collection
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 39 3/8 x 28 in. (100.0 x 71.1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Nancy Singer
- Rights
- © 1966 Claes Oldenburg
- Object Number
- 41:1967
NOTES
This faux tea bag seems to defy logic and even gravity. Dramatically enlarged from the expected size, the bag is shown soggy and used, now stuck in relief to be hung on the wall for display. Claes Oldenburg elevated consumed trash to art treasure with ironic and humorous effect while also highlighting the mere “stuff” of everyday life. Depictions of food appear in many of Oldenburg’s works, but often in unfamiliar and unexpected manifestations.
The rapid and mass production of commercial goods, such as groceries, clothing, and appliances during the mid-20th century fascinated Oldenburg. As an artist, he recognized how creating multiples—three-dimensional objects produced in editions, often with industrial materials—could connect his art with the driving wants and desires cultivated by consumer culture. Employing slick plastic surfaces and vacuum-form technology to encase this tired-out tea bag, Oldenburg packaged something depleted and worn as if seductively fresh and new.
The rapid and mass production of commercial goods, such as groceries, clothing, and appliances during the mid-20th century fascinated Oldenburg. As an artist, he recognized how creating multiples—three-dimensional objects produced in editions, often with industrial materials—could connect his art with the driving wants and desires cultivated by consumer culture. Employing slick plastic surfaces and vacuum-form technology to encase this tired-out tea bag, Oldenburg packaged something depleted and worn as if seductively fresh and new.
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