Koki Tanaka

In this charming show at the Box, L.A. artist Koki Tanaka playfully questions assumptions about art’s place and function. The video, “Showing Objects to a Dog,” is just what it sounds like: Tanaka tries to get the attention of a dog named Shadey by presenting him with several objects made out of cardboard boxes, Styrofoam cups, a bucket and broom, etc. The conceit of course is patently absurd, but it does shine an alternate light on the bizarre constructions we routinely venerate as art, which to Shadey, are either of no interest at all or are simply playthings — he is particularly taken with a stick attached by string to a large ball of tape. Who’s to say whether we have any better use for art? http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2011/02/art-review-koki-tanaka-at-the-box.html