Grandpa Kemper’s Outhouse

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Down the Drain. (2020). 3” x 4” x 8” mixed media maquette.

AWARD WINNER: “Grandpa Kemper’s Outhouse” won Rice University’s “Get Out the Vote” Kiosk Competition hosted by the beginning sculpture class in the visual arts department (VADA). It was chosen Best Sculpture by a panel of 25 students, and was subsequently built life-size on Rice campus.

In my native Minnesota, it’s typical for north woods cabin owners to have an outhouse — or “Johnson” as its colloquially called. I myself grew up with one in our backyard at our cabin. And symbolically, it seemed fitting for America’s 2020 presidential election....you have to admit, everything really is down the drain (you can think of something more R-rated to say, but I won’t write that here). 

Don’t despair, though. You just have to get out and vote. 

So have a laugh. Salut the Tsar of Russia. 

And don’t stockpile toilet paper. 

The future is in your hands. 

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse Maquette

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse Maquette

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse Maquette

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse Maquette

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse Maquette

Upon winning, the maquette served as the basis for a life-size model and would be featured in Rice University’s “ON/OFF” outdoor sculpture exhibition. It was constructed over a week by VADA studio manager, Ryan Crowley, and senior art student, Braden Perryman.

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Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Braden Perryman.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Judy Nyquist.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Judy Nyquist.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Interior: Image courtesy Braden Perryman.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Door Interior: Image courtesy of Judy Nyquist.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Connor Chaikowsky.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Judy Nyquist.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse After Dark

Image courtesy Kyle Rainey.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Judy Nyquist

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Ellie Rips.

Grandpa Kemper's Outhouse: Down the Drain

Image courtesy Ellie Rips & Lior Askennazy Dor.

VOTE posters courtesy Aram Han Sifuentes.

The interior was filled with catchy, bright posters designed by social artist and activist, Aram Han Sifuentes, that call us to get out and vote in a variety of languages. Presidential toilet paper of Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Vladimir Putin were graciously sponsored by art historian and patron, Judy Nyquist.

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Image courtesy Braden Perryman.

“Grandpa Kemper’s Outhouse: Down the Drain” is on display at the Rice Memorial Center (RMC) Courtyard October 23—November 3, 2020.

Aram Han Sifuentes VOTE posters free for the taking inside the outhouse while supplies last.

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Watch my interview on “Grandpa Kemper’s Outhouse” here!

PRESS RELEASE

Rice News – Nov 4, 2020: https://news.rice.edu/2020/11/04/vada-helps-student-create-on-campus-sculpture-from-across-the-country/