Reclaimed Icons

Essay on Reclaimed Icons

Jason Willaford’s multi-layered oeuvre is both referential and of its time. His re-purposed billboard series, collectively titled Reclaimed Icons, is a suite of several unique irregularly shaped wall works, giant and complex quilt-like paintings and a very sweet, very large soft sculpture that may be reposed on the occasion of each installation. Brawny in appearance yet surprisingly sensitive in concept and execution, each work is made using reclaimed vinyl billboard signs that Willaford first scavenges, then cuts, reassembles, stuffs and sews. The final outcome is on all accounts is striking, not least because the works recoup the bright bold brand name colors and graphic black and white commercial imagery of their source material. Read more here >>