Objet d’Art: Towel Time

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN BRADY AND ART PRODUCTION FUND.

Every month, Interview picks an artist or designer created object that straddles the line between aesthetics and function. Subdued tastes need not apply.

New York’s near-freezing temperatures this month do nothing to dispel our hope that one day, not too far into the future, we’ll need a plush, oversized beach towel to recline on—ideally poolside, with a drink in hand. And if we’re dreaming, why not a towel as glamorous as this one, newly released from Art Production Fund’s Works on Whatever initiative, in which they invite major artists to lend their art to functional objects. Here, John Currin has turned one of his paintings into a 100 percent cotton towel of generous proportions (70 by 60 inches). The painting—in typical Currin fashion—depicts a woman comfortably at rest, posing with a basket of fruit. It seems a fitting scene to render in towel form.

Per Casey Fremont, Art Production Fund’s executive director, purchasing the towel is even a good deed. “As a key fundraising initiative for Art Production Fund, the beach towels support our organization and contribute to our mission of reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art,” she says.  

While you wait for warmer temperatures, consider displaying the piece on your wall. You could even get it framed. It is a Currin, after all.

THE JOHN CURRIN TOWEL IS AVAILABLE THROUGH ART PRODUCTION FUND’S ONLINE SHOP FOR $95. 

Objet D’Art runs every month. For more, click here.