Dan Friedman’s ‘Why Shouldn’t I Have Fun All Day’ Immerses Us in His Artistry

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Dan Friedman’s exhibit, titled “Why Shouldn’t I Have Fun All Day?“, represents the first gallery showcase of his work since 1994. Held at Lower Manhattan’s Superhouse, this exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of Friedman’s passing in 1995 by offering a vivid portrayal of his former residence in Washington Square Park.

In the late ’70s, Friedman turned his modest one-bedroom dwelling into what he referred to as a “living artwork gallery,” covering every available space with his creations. He aimed to satirically challenge our perceptions of what constitutes a beautiful modern American home by creating an exaggerated version of it. As recorded in his groundbreaking 1994 work, “Radical Modernism,”, the installation mirrors the vibrant atmosphere of Friedman’s Lower East Side apartment as it was captured in that influential piece.

During the early 1980s, Friedman found himself leading a life with two distinct personas – socializing during the night with people who weren’t designers or artists, and during the day, he was involved in design work. Reflecting on this, he admitted that he derived more enjoyment from his nocturnal escapades in an alternate New York City sphere. He pondered, “Why can’t I have fun throughout the entire day?

The works displayed at the exhibition encompass some of Friedman’s early creations, such as his inaugural folding screen titled “Basic Screen” (1981), which is adorned with spray paint, and the grass-skirted piece known as “Wicky Wacky Table” (1981). Additionally, you’ll find “A Fallen Sky in a Regal Landscape” (1985) among them.

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The exhibition showcases some of Friedman’s early works, including his debut folding screen – the spray-painted “Basic Screen” (1981), the grass-skirted “Wicky Wacky Table” (1981), and “A Fallen Sky in a Regal Landscape” (1985).

Both versions convey the same information, but I prefer the second one for its concise and easy-to-understand structure.

Please examine the pictures up top more closely, focusing on “Why Shouldn’t I Have Fun All Day?” for additional details about exhibit visits is provided beneath.

120 Walker Street, Apt. 6R, New York, NY 10013

From February 6, 2025 to March 22, 2025

Open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon until 6 PM.

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2025-02-17 21:25