Soup Can Art

Mixed media tends to refer to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a "mixed media" work. When creating a painted or photographed work using mixed media it is important to choose the layers carefully and allow enough drying time between the layers to ensure the final work will have integrity. If many different media are used it is equally important to choose a sturdy foundation upon which the different layers are imposed. Many interesting effects can be achieved by using mixed media. Often, found objects are used in conjunction with traditional artist media, such as paints and graphite, to express a meaning in the everyday life. In this manner, many different elements of art become more flexible than with traditional artist media. As MOCA and the Hampton Roads community celebrates the Andy Warhol: Portraits exhibition, we wanted to take a moment to explore Warhol’s idea of a tin soup can and the many ways in which popular culture influences artists today. A plain, unused tin can was given to a selection of local, national and internationally recognized contemporary artists. They were asked to reinterpret the can and use it in the creation of their own art. Each original can is for sale on MOCA’s website. The proceeds from the sales will help benefit MOCA’s educational programs and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. With your help we can provide nourishment for the heads, hearts and stomachs of the people in our community.