Jack Jiggles, fan of fans, searches second hand sources for archaic fans of yesteryear. These post war American made machines of might often lack the glimmer and stamina of their former glory. Always dingy, sometimes damaged, these forgotten soldiers require disassembly, repair, and TLC. Clean behind the ears with a kiss of the oil can and a fresh coat of paint, Jiggles adds subtle charms with new electrical hardware and controls.

Jiggles’ restoration transforms these fans from utilitarian objects to beautiful kinetic sculpture. They are cute, sometimes sexy. They turn to look at each other, look at you and then coyly look the other way. They blow cooling breezes and purr seductively as they oscillate. Like Duchamp’s Fountain, the found object, controversially elegant urinal piece that references the body, Jiggles’ fans do a similar thing, as they twist and move showing off their great personalities and curvaceous construction. Each fan is further personified by their titles/names, for example Cecil is a General Electric standard strap fan, circa 1950. Bernadette is a Westinghouse Lively aire model.

Jiggles' workshop is filled with rusty items of early twentieth century iron, awaiting attention among their neighbors of salvaged parts and pieces of potential. Pitted and oxidized hammers, hatchets and axe heads cover bench tops and suspend from the ceiling. Some shined and sharpened, others soaking in electrolytic solutions or vinegar baths, all patiently wait for the next train stop on their route to recovery.

Scarred spirit levels of brass and cherry have their wounds bandaged and patina polished as gouged box cutters line up next to the bench grinder to be buffed and brightened. Lubricants and spray enamel baptize the battered and bruised in the Fountain of Youth, restoring pride in the craftsmanship of New Britain, Schenectady, and Pittsburgh. Jiggles relishes the tools and technology of our father’s fathers. Admiration for the elegant simplicity and precise design of times past motivates his perspective and purpose.

The exhibit title, ONLY FANS, is inspired by our studio visit. Jiggles has so many sculptural objects to choose from, we had to narrow it down to only the fans. I kept reiterating “only fans” to remined myself and Jiggles to streamline our focus and just got tickled by it. Playing with the comparison to OnlyFans, a subscription based social media platform that is primarily known for its adult content, this exhibition showcases a collection of artistic, evocative electric fans.

ARTIST BIO

After receiving a BA in philosophy from the University of Georgia, Jack Jiggles became a dishwasher. Advancing from the dish pit, his curriculum vitae grew with the following illustrious endeavors and responsibilities: librarian, shallow dinghy deck hand, prep cook, swimsuit model, dance hall referee, concession stand flunky, failed tiny men’s shop entrepreneur, third rate trumpet player, junk merchant, wedding DJ, flea market salesman, furniture maker, community college instructor, shit shoveler, nervous nuptial officiant, carpenter, bird feeder aficionado, electrician, and luckiest man to trap a 10 into wedlock this side of the Mississippi. He has broken his arm 6 times, nose once, and several ribs. Presently, he is accepting offers of adventure and employ from qualified benevolent applicants.