Emerging from the desert into the hands of numerous international contemporary artists, retired and abandoned World War II planes are getting a second chance at an esteemed life. Gallery owner Eric Firestone curator Carlo McCormick have created an exhibit like no other in Tucson, Arizona at the Pima Air and Space Museum entitled “The Boneyard Project: Return Trip.”
‘Untitled’ by Nunca, 2011, Spray Paint on DC3, all images © of Eric Firestone
A continuation of “Nose Job,” an exhibit that debuted in the summer of 2011 and included 22 reinterpreted nose pieces of WWII planes, the natural progression was, of course, to use an entire plane. The planes in this exhibition range from DC7s to F106s and are painted by contemporary and street artists including How & Nosm, Retna, Andrew Schoultz, and Nunca among others. Re-imagining the once great giants translates the use of the planes from battle to beauty. On display, the metal war heroes take on the vibrant personalities, and sometimes political views, of the artists working on them. The transformation from the purpose of destruction to art is one that will resonate with the involved artists for years to come.
For artists like Andrew Schoultz, who featured work at Art Basel Miami Beach last year, this project is an opportunity to honor the machines and their service on a large-scale and attract a completely different audience.
'Flying Tiger’ by Andrew Schoultz work in progress
The exhibit runs through May 31st, 2012 so if you find yourself in the Tucson area, it is highly recommended you do not miss this. For more information, rates, and hours visit Pima Air & Space Museum. Not going to be near Tucson by the end of May? View a detailed photo review of the exhibit at TheFlopBox.
