Sam Barsky: It’s Not the Same Without You
Sam Barsky: It’s Not the Same Without You represents the artist’s first museum show, featuring over twenty of his signature sweaters. Barsky has been knitting since 1999 and has received acclaim for his wearable art, which features various landmarks and monuments. He has become “internet famous” for the photographs he posts of himself wearing these sweaters at the various locations depicted. Barsky doesn’t sell his sweaters and has rarely shown them outside of his photographs and at the workshops he hosts around the country.
The sweaters are both aspirational and nostalgic. Like postcards, they are a way for Barsky to connect with places he enjoys, or those he wants to visit. Once worn, they hold memories of his time there. They also act as a point of connection–a way for Barsky to build a community, to share his experiences of travel and invite others to share theirs.
In this vein, Barsky will knit a sweater featuring the Arts Center for the exhibition. Visitors will be able to borrow this sweater and photograph themselves wearing it, a la Barsky’s internet practice.
The Artists
Sam Barsky: It’s Not the Same Without You is supported by the Kohler Trust for Arts and Education, Ruth Foundation for the Arts, the Mellon Foundation, the Frederic Cornell Kohler Charitable Trust, Kohler Foundation, Inc., and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
