Van Deren Coke 1975

Mike Mandel's "Van Deren Coke" (1975) is a black and white photograph that resembles a baseball card. The image features a man holding a baseball bat with a determined expression, wearing a baseball cap with a “C” on it. The photo, printed on a sheet of paper, is a commentary on the appropriation of mass media imagery and the creation of new meanings within the context of conceptual art. The artist, Mike Mandel, was known for his work with photographic collections, which often explored themes of information, representation, and the nature of reality. "Van Deren Coke" is a significant example of Mandel's artistic practice, highlighting his interest in popular culture and the ways in which images are used to construct identity and meaning.