saw this work last friday at the what nerve! alternative figures in american art, 1960 to the present exhibit at matthew marks gallery in chelsea. i love how rocca took a handbag and made it an art piece. the work was created during a period of rocca's life in which she took a break from art-making; instead the piece was part of what she considered her autobiography. i previously interned in handbag design at coach and it's interesting to consider this artful handbag and those that coach made around this time. then, bonnie cashin was the creative director; she was known for creating some of the first colored leather bags as well as the use of industrial hardware in accessories.

purse curse // suellen rocca // 1968 // oil on plastic purse // img via hyperalleric