Ken Fandell:
It's Hard and I Could Use Some Help

November 4, 2005 - January 8, 2006

San Jose, CA — San Jose, CA- Opening November 4, the ICA is pleased to present a video installation by Chicago-based artist Ken Fandell titled “It’s Really Hard and I Could Use Some Help” as part of the ICA Night Moves series. The installation will be visible only after dark in the front window of the gallery. Ken Fandell’s video presents the viewer with a seemingly over-sized pair of hands engaged in futile struggle. The task is to assemble a set of incredibly small plastic figurines. Among the naked and unpainted white models are the classic poses of David and The Thinker, their segmented parts drenched in hobby glue. Tension increases as does the mess and efforts of the protagonist (hero or fool?). With this single endeavor, Fandell cunningly raises questions about the artist, art production, frustration, art history, hobbies, high and low culture, frustration, perfection, failure, ambition, frustration, alienation and, did we mention frustration?

Ken Fandell resides in Chicago where he is an instructor at the Chicago Art Institute. He holds an MFA from The University of Illinois at Chicago with an emphasis in photography and new genres.