Richard Dupont

The FLAG Art Foundation is pleased to present “Size DOES Matter”, curated by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. This exciting exhibition, on view from February 19, 2010 – May 27, 2010, includes works from international artists exploring the myriad ways that scale affects the perception of contemporary art.

Weighing 320 pounds and standing 7’1″ atop his size 22 shoes, Shaq is one of the most dominant players ever to play in the NBA. Throughout his career, O’Neal has capitalized on his size and strength to overpower opponents for points and rebounds earning him nicknames such as Diesel and Superman. Now Shaq takes the opportunity to reflect on his size with an exhibition boasting works from microscopic to giant pieces that have the ability to dwarf and exaggerate everyone — even Shaq himself.

Artists have readily utilized the element of size. Large and small objects require different approaches, elicit unique responses from their viewer, and reflect the varying purposes in which works of art were meant to serve. This dynamic exhibition will include a variety of mediums that play with scale as a key component in the composition of the artwork. Every work in the show was selected by Shaq himself or is being newly made at his request.

Artists in the exhibition will include:

Conrad Bakker
Delia Brown
Don Brown
Maurizio Cattelan
Chuck Close
Cathy de Monchaux
Richard Dupont
Joe Fig
Tom Friedman
Franz Gertsch
Andreas Gursky
Tim Hawkinson
Brian Jungen
Anselm Kiefer
Jeff Koons
Dr. Lakra
Inez van Lamsweerde
Charles LeDray
Peter Max
Ron Mueck
Juan Muñoz
Richard Patterson
Evan Penny
Richard Pettibone
Elizabeth Peyton
Paul Pfeiffer
Richard Phillips
Charles Ray
James Rieck
Ugo Rondinone
Thomas Ruff
Cindy Sherman
Yinka Shonibare
Ken Solomon
Tomoaki Suzuki
Robert Therrien
Jim Torok
Mark Wagner
Corban Walker
Willard Wigan
Kehinde Wiley
Fred Wilson
Ivan Witenstein
Lisa Yuskavage
among others

A comprehensive catalogue with installation images as well as an essay by bestselling author and Cleveland native James Frey will accompany the exhibition. Frey is one of the most controversial and celebrated authors in the world. His three books have all been #1 National and international bestsellers, and his work is published in 35 languages. He has written extensively about art, and worked on projects with Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst and Richard Phillips, among others. His next book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible, is due to be released on Easter in 2011.

About the Curator

Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal was born March 6, 1972, in Newark, NJ. First gaining attention as High School Player of the Year in San Antonio, he then played at Louisiana State University. During his rookie season with the Orlando Magic, O’Neal finished in the top ten in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and shooting percentage. In 1996, he signed the biggest contract in NBA history with the LA Lakers; he then returned to Florida in 2005 to play for the Miami Heat, followed by the Phoenix Suns. Now he can be found playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After 14 years in the NBA, Shaq has an impressive list of accomplishments: a 13-time All-Star, a two-time All-Star MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP Award, he has now perfected the “drop step” move which has made him unstoppable.

Along with his NBA accomplishments, Shaq has written an autobiography, starred in his own television show, released a certified platinum album, received his B.S. from Louisiana State University, an M.B.A from University of Phoenix, and is working toward a PHD in Human Relations. Shaq has also maintained an interest in the workings of the police department and has become personally involved in law enforcement as reserve officer with the L.A. Port Police. Shaq appeared in several films including Blue Chips with Nick Nolte and the star vehicles Kazaam! and Steel, for both of which he also recorded the soundtrack albums. His recent reality television show Shaq Vs. features him competing against some of the greatest athletes at their own sports demonstrating yet again that traditional limits cannot contain him. He is that rare individual who is constantly looking to challenge himself and move outside his comfort zone. Now his creative thinking – which previously spurred him to success in a wide variety of fields – will be deployed at his first art exhibition, with him playing the role of curator and muse.