Willie Cole, Artist (1997)

Willie Cole is known for his ability to transform the discarded remnants of our consumer culture into objects that are mysterious, meaningful, even magical. Irons become masks, and gas nozzles become serpents. State of the Arts visited Willie at his studio in Newark, New Jersey in 1997. The next year, the Museum of Modern Art gave Willie Cole a one-man exhibition, and he’s been showing his work internationally ever since.

Also interviewed are Carolyn Alexander of Alexander and Bonin Gallery and Joseph Jacobs, then curator at the Newark Museum.

Produced by Amber Edwards.