Cary S. Leibowitz Biography
Cary Leibowitz, also known as Candy Ass, is an artist born in 1963. Since the 1990s he has presented himself as a disgusting and reluctant artist to criticize the pretentiousness of the art world and the commodification of art. He made clear his gay and Jewish identities and how these place him outside of mainstream American society. His works, which include prints, paintings, sculptures and installations, are characterized by humor and pathos. Using everyday objects, such as mugs or knitted hats, with pointed text and placing them in unlikely shapes, he tries to create art from the character of humiliating narcissism and the art becomes his stand-up routine.
Leibowitz was the master painter of the New York art world who depicted abjection and neurosis, self-loathing, insecurity and self-questioning. During the 1990s, he was criticized in American gay circles for his art not being politically engaged enough, but over time he became known for his creative courage and willingness to expose his intimate views on society. Despite this, he was criticized by art critics for abandoning the traditional courses of art.
Leibowitz's first museum exhibition was held at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco in 2017 and displayed 350 works by the author from 1987 to the present. This exhibition was a crowning achievement of the author's career and demonstrated how far Leibowitz had to go to achieve the success he has today. His art is not for everyone, but those who are comfortable with his art appreciate his creativity and his courage in expressing his opinions on society.
