Brad Troemel's 'On View' Exhibition at Zach Feuer Gallery Explores Ownership and Surveillance

From February 21 to March 28, 2015, the Zach Feuer Gallery in New York showcased Brad Troemel's exhibition titled 'On View: Selections from the Troemel Collection.' This exhibit delved into themes of ownership, appropriation, and value through the lens of a collector's identity. One notable series incorporated appropriated celebrity artworks, such as a 1946 lithograph by Gloria Vanderbilt, alongside collectible coins on vibrant panels, challenging perceptions of fame and market worth. Another installation featured neon-hued rock-climbing mounts paired with vintage Furbies, addressing issues of surveillance and privacy. Although the exhibition touched on capitalism and celebrity culture, some pieces faced criticism for their repetitiveness. The press release referred to the collectibles as 'highly potent bundles of commodities,' yet these concepts were not fully conveyed in the artworks.