Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Cary Leibowitz Biography
Cary Leibowitz, also known by the moniker "Candy Ass," is an American visual artist born in 1963, whose work has significantly impacted the contemporary art scene. Leibowitz's art is characterized by its unique blend of humor, self-deprecation, and poignant commentary on societal norms, particularly regarding sexuality and Jewish identity. His work spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation, and is known for its text-based content that combines witty one-liners with deeper reflections on personal and social issues.
Leibowitz's journey into the art world began in Trumbull, Connecticut, where he grew up in a typical suburb. From a young age, Leibowitz was drawn to creative pursuits, playing with dollhouses and maintaining a subscription to Architectural Digest. Initially dreaming of becoming a designer or decorator, his path took a turn towards visual arts. He pursued his education in the field, starting at Pratt Institute in architecture before realizing it wasn't his calling. He then transferred to the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
After graduating in 1987, Leibowitz moved to Boston, where he worked at a picture frame shop, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the arts. His career took a significant turn when he adopted the nickname "Candy Ass," a term he encountered during a lunch conversation about childhood nicknames. This name became a pivotal aspect of his identity as an artist, often serving as a signature on his works.
Leibowitz's art is deeply rooted in language and the everyday experiences of life. His works often feature language fragments that seem like overheard conversations or internal monologues, ranging from confessions of anxiety to declarations of victory. These phrases are rendered in his unfussy penmanship against colorful backgrounds, striking a balance between the humble and the grandiose. His approach invites viewers to empathize with the collective absurdity of modern life, making his work both accessible and deeply resonant.
Throughout his career, Leibowitz has exhibited his work globally, including a significant career survey at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania and retrospectives at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, the ICA in Philadelphia, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. His work is also part of the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Chase Manhattan Bank, the Hirshhorn Museum, The Jewish Museum, and the Peter and Eileen Norton Collection.
Leibowitz's contributions to the art world extend beyond his practice as an artist. He has also made a mark as an art-market influencer, balancing his artistic endeavors with a role as the worldwide co-head of editions at Phillips auction house. This dual career highlights his deep engagement with both the creative and commercial aspects of the art world.
Leibowitz's work is often associated with the "Loser Art" and "pathetic aesthetic" movements of the 1990s, which embraced self-irony, self-reflexivity, and at times, self-loathing. His art narrates his experiences as a gay Jewish artist in mainstream American society, offering searing self-truths that are particularly relevant in times of political and social division. Through his recalcitrant one-liners and bold use of color, Leibowitz not only tells his story but also challenges the pretensions of the art world, advocating for a more inclusive and accessible contemporary art scene.
In summary, Cary Leibowitz's art is a testament to the power of humor and vulnerability in addressing complex personal and societal themes. His work continues to inspire and provoke, cementing his place as a significant figure in contemporary art.
Cary Leibowitz Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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