Thomas Ruff retrospective at Moore College explores appropriation through found photography

Thomas Ruff's retrospective at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia examines his manipulation of process and history through found photographs. The exhibition, running through March 12, presents two simultaneous shows that contrast his early and recent work while addressing his rising market status. Ruff's practice investigates contradictions between formalism and politics, with specific reference to Greenwich, Connecticut. His work transforms street scenes and game shows into portraits of daily life while questioning what constitutes real versus imagined problems in artistic practice. The artist recently exhibited at Laurel Gitlen gallery, where he creates mutant transformations of his materials. Concurrently, an exhibition of collectibles and art examines the relationship between celebrity trade and aesthetic object markets. A traveling retrospective of Robert Heinecken's work is noted as particularly timely, while an iconic photographer presents both a new book and exhibition.