"Luggage Set," 2005 Upholstery fabric, vinyl, nylon, buckles, zippers, foam, webbing fiberfill, tennis racket, cotten briefs, and tin can Each signed: A Treasure Forever By / Christian Holstad 5 pieces Dimensions vary; Largest: 29" H x 23" W Provenance: Sale: Daniel Reich Gallery, New York, NY, March 31, 2006 The Blake Byrne Collection Notes: Christian Holstad has been described as a "one-artist collective, equally at ease with knitting, quilting, collage, drawing and sculpture." While his work is disparate in medium, it is often united by concept, questioning notions of identity, culture, and sexuality in a manner that combines high and low art. Holstad's art often employs craft techniques such as quilting and sewing, as seen in the present work. In "Luggage Set," Holstad fabricates a backpack, replete with zippers, straps and unlikely fabric choices. His work often addresses gay culture, the AIDS crisis and employs fetishistic materials and themes. Born in Anaheim California in 1972, Holstad made his career in New York, where he continues his studio practice.