Rutherford Chang has a hobby: He buys original vinyl copies of the Beatles' White Album to display them in artistic fashion. His project, called "We Buy White Albums," is being featured by Recess.org, which offers exposure for artists' work and a space for activity that initiates an interaction with the public.
We questioned him about his work.
Q: How did the “We Buy White Albums” project develop?
Rutherford Chang: "I'm interested in the way that each copy has aged uniquely and become an artifact of the last half-decade. I bought my second copy of “The White Album” seven years ago and have continued since then."
Q: The “We Buy White Albums” project seems almost like a Yoko Ono type of
art project. Did she have any influence on you in this?
Rutherford Chang: "I wasn’t thinking about Yoko Ono while making the work, but would be curious to know her reaction. She hasn’t visited the show yet."
Q: So is this an art project, a music project or both?
Rutherford Chang: "I approached it as an art project, but am making a record, so I
suppose it’s both."
Q: According to the press release, it will close on March 9. Will that
be the end of the project?
Rutherford Chang: "I’ve been recording all of the White Albums I’ve been listening to during the exhibition and at the end will press a new double-LP of all
the recordings layered on top of each other. It will be like playing a
hundred White Albums at once, each scratched and warped in its own
way."
Q: What will you do with all the White Albums after March 9 when the
Recess exhibit closes or the project ends?
Rutherford Chang: The collection has been ongoing and will continue.
Q: If someone wants their album included in the Project, how do they
contact you? Is there a fee for being included or do you buy the
albums?
Rutherford Chang: "I am buying numbered copies of “The White Album” in any condition. Donations are happily accepted as well. If you would like to part with
a copy, bring it to Recess, 41 Grand Street, New York, or email me at rutherfordchang@gmail.com."
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