Applying strategies of mass production to handmade objects, Allan McCollum’s labor-intensive practice questions the intrinsic value of the unique work of art. McCollum’s installations—fields of vast numbers of small-scale works, systematically arranged—are the product of many tiny gestures, built up over time. Viewing his work often produces a sublime effect—as one slowly realizes that the dizzying array of thousands of identical-looking shapes is, in fact, composed of subtly different, distinct things. Economical in form, yet curious in function, his work and mechanical-looking processes are infused with humor and humility.

7 VideosSeriesFeatured Artist(s)Date

"Lost Objects" & "Natural Copies"

Allan McCollum

4:10
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3/4/2011

"Over Ten Thousand Individual Works"

Allan McCollum

5:23
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11/19/2010

"Surrogate Paintings" & "Plaster Surrogates"

Allan McCollum

3:41
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9/14/2010

"Shapes Ornaments"

Allan McCollum

4:18
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"Shapes Ornaments"

Allan McCollum

6/11/2010

"Shapes Copper Cookie Cutters"

Allan McCollum

4:27
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1/4/2010

Systems

54:11

10/28/2009

Allan McCollum in "Systems"

13:59
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10/28/2009