Julie Novakoff
Ever dreamt of riding a hot air balloon? Belgium-based artist Kris Martin grew up in Flanders, where hot air balloons regularly tour the countryside. In 2009, Martin filled the Johann Koenig gallery in Berlin with a partially inflated hot air balloon, and then in 2010 brought the work to the K21 museum in Düsseldorf. Through May 21st, Martin brings his romantic and dream-like balloon to the United States, enveloping Marc Foxx Gallery in Los Angeles.
The title of this conceptual piece, T.Y.F.F.M.F., stands for “Thank you for flying Marc Foxx." Martin is known for using journeys as metaphors: during the 2003 Berlin Biennale he installed a blank departures board that continuously rotated without announcing any destination.
Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.M.F. (installation view), 2011, hot-air balloon and fans. Courtesy of Marc Foxx Gallery.
Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.M.F. (installation view), 2011, hot-air balloon and fans. Courtesy of Marc Foxx Gallery. Photograph: Julie Novakoff.
Kris Martin, T.Y.F.F.M.F. (installation view), 2011, hot-air balloon and fans. Courtesy of Marc Foxx Gallery. Photograph: Julie Novakoff.
