No Is Yes (1997) Laura Parnes

Single-Channel Video Installation, Mixed Media, 1997, 40:00 Shown at The Spectacular Optical, Threadwaxing Space, New York City, Miami Museum of Contemporary Art, Miami. No Is Yes examines the inevitable co-option of counter culture through two teenage girls that accidentally kill and mutilate their favorite rockstar. It is inspired by MTV’ s habitual use of experimental film and video techniques to render elaborate ads for their specialized product—the pop star. It is further inspired by fashion advertising which is styled after various artists’ work (i.e. Nan Goldin, Larry Clark). Many of these artists used photography to document “counter-culture“, and/or to critique popular culture. This accentuates the irony, as these these stylized versions of their work re-enter the world in the form of advertisements.