Zippo Lighters for the Artist, 2024, 6.5 x 8.5 x 1.25″
Zippo Lighters for the Artist study themes of uncertainty and determination through war memorabilia. The artist’s lighters are derived from the highly collectible zippo lighters carried by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Slogans filled with tragedy and humor were engraved onto their lighters, serving as a reflection of their minds and spirit while serving in combat. The experience of a soldier in Vietnam is unfathomable, however, I find the sentiments of the slogans empathetic. My lighters grapple with ideas of originality (good luck), success (lol), and perseverance; all displayed in a beautifully hand crafted case (MADE IN ITALY) as something to reminisce on during a challenging part of anyone’s lives: their 20s. Or even worse, an artist in their 20s…
Included in Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow & Blue, a group show at LICArtists, 2024
andy mazzella archive 