Judith Baumann

Dead Wrestlers

Date

Dead Wrestlers, 2011 in progress
Archival Inkjet Prints
17″ x 22″ (Dimensions variable)The first fan letter I ever wrote was to Hulk Hogan in 1987. In return, I received an autographed postcard with a picture of Hulk on the front. These enlarged, highly pixelated, digital abstract prints of captured video stills from uploaded online videos from original analog sources represent matches considered by wrestling commentators as career defining moments for each deceased wrestler. The pixelated, oblique boxes of color portray a contrived reality, recognizable only at a distance, underscoring the spectacle of sports entertainment and our supporting-role relation as consumers to it.

Miss Elizabeth Hulette (Cause of Death: Accidental recreational and prescription drug overdose, Age 42) No. 1, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Miss Elizabeth Hulette (Cause of Death: Accidental recreational and prescription drug overdose, Age 42) No. 2, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Miss Elizabeth Hulette (Cause of Death: Accidental recreational and prescription drug overdose, Age 42) No. 3, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig (Cocaine and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 44) No. 1, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig (Cocaine and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 44) No. 2, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig (Cocaine and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 44) No. 3, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Andre The Giant (Cause of Death: Chronic alcoholism and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 46) No. 1, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Andre The Giant (Cause of Death: Chronic alcoholism and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 46) No. 2, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
Andre The Giant (Cause of Death: Chronic alcoholism and mixed prescription drug induced heart attack, Age 46) No. 3, 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)
The British Bulldog Davey “Boy” Smith (Cause of Death: Heart attack attributed to anabolic steroid abuse, Age 39), 2011, Digital Print, 17” x 22” (dimensions variable)

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