GALLERY 2012

This work is successful as a video, but even more so as a physical intervention. There is a balance of humor and criticality that makes for successful communication. And, it would certainly serve to create a momentary destabilizing experience for observant passersby.

I was initially reluctant to choose this work as one of the 7 that I selected, due to the fact that Beyond category specifically calls for "participatory projects". However, I feel that this work demonstrates a physical engagement with public space in a manner that translates well both as an action and as documentation. The gesture enacted is equally absurd and critical; perhaps even prophetic of a not-so-distant future landscape.

Seeing this work, I was immediately reminded of Alex Villar’s video/performance work, which I first encountered in 2004 as part of the Interventionists show curated by Nato Thompson. Like Villar, the artist here uses the found environment to illustrate social hypocrisies, influences, and mediated constructs.

Based on the comments in the submission, I am led to believe that the video was the end point (i.e. - the action was secondary). Part of the challenge that this work faces is the tendency to read it as a one-liner. Yet, the power of an "absurd" gesture lies in the ability to destabilize the norm - often through repetition to the point of collapse (or authoritarian interruption). Have you thought about other actions that can be produced/documented accordingly? For example, are there other instances of "context replacement" that you could further build upon?