ZOE BUCKMAN : CHAMP

Art Production Fund is pleased to announce Champ, Zoe Buckman’s first public art installation, on view for one year starting February 27, 2018 at The Standard, Hollywood. Standing 43 feet tall, and 9-feet in diameter, the installation will feature a glowing white neon outline of an abstracted uterus with fiberglass boxing gloves in place of ovaries. The kinetic sculpture will slowly rotate, serving as a symbol of female empowerment. The installation will be located on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Sweetzer Avenue in front of The Standard, Hollywood.

“As Champ imagery has been disseminated, women from a myriad of backgrounds have found their own meaning in the work,” said Zoe Buckman. “Whether it speaks to reproductive rights or advocacy around domestic violence, or women’s health awareness, my goal is to give agency to these women whilst also transcending gender in the fight for women’s rights. The use of boxing gloves as stereotypically masculine objects, and the choice to use white light for its neutral quality, will hopefully encourage us all to band together in face of current adversity.”

Buckman’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses neon, embroidery, sculpture, and photography. Her works explore themes of feminism and systems of oppression. Offering an honest discourse surrounding the female body and sexuality, she creates politically and socially resonant work centered around activism and advocacy. Following its launch timed with Women’s History Month, Buckman, Art Production Fund, and The Standard will partner with several local and national organizations, from cultural institutions to women’s advocacy groups, to offer a series of free public programs throughout the project’s yearlong installation.

“We are thrilled to present Zoe Buckman’s first major public art project,” said Casey Fremont, Executive Director of Art Production Fund. “Champ celebrates female strength, and we hope it will continue to empower women’s voices and afford the opportunity for crucial conversation surrounding women’s issues.”

“The Standard is beyond excited to welcome Champ to the Hollywood location. The symbolism behind Champ is extremely poignant, especially given the current state of affairs. To have this art stand amongst the advertising and billboards on the Sunset Strip will be a beautiful juxtaposition,” said Jenni Boelkens, Area Director, Design, The Standard.

Champ is made possible with generous support from Alice + Olivia. “As the CEO of a company with 400 women, supporting other women in their creative ventures is extremely important to me,” said Stacey Bendet, ceo & creative director of Alice + Olivia. “Zoe’s project resonates with me as a powerful way to support women’s rights and global solidarity, and I am proud to be involved in bringing this extraordinary work of art to life.” Alice + Olivia will launch a Champ-inspired capsule collection to support this initiative.

Public programming supported by the 7G Foundation.

Special thanks to Bethanie Brady for her ongoing support of this project.

Art Production Fund has also produced a limited edition by Zoe Buckman, with all proceeds directly benefiting the project. The Champ Embroidery Limited Edition features a delicate, embroidered version of the neon installation, and is produced in an edition of 100. It is sold exclusively through Art Production Fund.

Zoe Buckman (b. 1985) was born in East London and studied at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York, where she currently lives and works. Her work has been exhibited at The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; Camden Arts Centre, London; Fort Gansevoort, New York; Papillion Art, Los Angeles; Grunwald Gallery of Art, Indiana University; Garis & Hahn, New York; Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg; Leila Heller Gallery, New York; Alan Koppel Gallery, Chicago; and Flowers Gallery, London. Recent exhibitions include a solo show at Project for Empty Space, Newark; as well as exhibitions at Gavlak, Los Angeles; Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York; and the Nathan Cummings Foundation, New York.

Art Production Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art. Projects include: Rudolf Stingel, "Plan B," NYC, 2004; Elmgreen & Dragset, "Prada Marfa,” Valentine, TX, 2005, permanent; Noble & Webster, “Electric Fountain,” Rockefeller Plaza, NYC, 2008; Yoshitomo Nara, “White Ghost,” Park Avenue, NYC, 2010; Chuck Close & Kehinde Wiley, “ART ADDS 2,” NYC, 2011; “After Hours: Murals on the Bowery,” NYC, 2011; Josephine Meckseper, “Manhattan Oil Project,” NYC, 2012; Yoko Ono, “Imagine Peace Times Square,” NYC, 2012; Yvette Mattern, “Global Rainbow After The Storm,” NYC, 2012; Ryan McGinley, “Taxi TV,” NYC, 2013; FriendsWithYou, “Light Cave,” NYC, 2014; Hanna Liden, "Everything," NYC, 2015; Gerard & Kelly, “Modern Living,” Los Angeles & New Canaan, 2016; Ugo Rondinone, “Seven Magic Mountains,” Las Vegas, 2016-2018; Jeff Koons, “Seated Ballerina,” NYC, 2017. Executive Director: Casey Fremont; Director of Operations: Kathleen Lynch. For more information, please visit artproductionfund.org.

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet: Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is a brand that allows customers to express their personal style. With clothing that juxtaposes the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated, a+o epitomizes the personality and perspective of its founder, Stacey Bendet. The brand was born from Stacey’s personal quest to create the perfect pair of pants, and has since grown into a full lifestyle collection including ready-to-wear, gowns, shoes, handbags accessories, and eyewear. The brand is a Hollywood favorite with celebrity fans including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, and Kourtney Kardashian.

The Standard’s irreverent and playful sensibility, combined with a careful consideration of design, detail and service, have established its reputation as a pioneer of hospitality, travel, dining, nightlife, and beyond. Opened in 1999, The Standard, Hollywood is the first of The Standard hotels, and is now firmly established as a Hollywood classic. In the heart of the Sunset Strip, the 139 room hotel redefines what guests could expect from a hotel experience, offering a pioneering, irreverent and sexy take on the concept of hospitality. Champ joins other public art installations at The Standard, Hollywood, including The Box and the Projection 24/7 series (also in collaboration with Art Production Fund), as well as works by artists such as Geoff McFetridge, Ryan McGinness and Piero Golia. The Champ programming coincides with The Standard’s recent activist initiatives including, but not limited to, Ring Your Rep, partnerships with The ACLU, Everytown for Gun Safety, and expansive editorial content both in-room and online at Standardhotels.com.