Michael Rakowitz's Para(sites) were created as a way to tackle one of the many issues faced by the homeless ; a warm place to sleep. He designed these shelters with each individual. The structures are made of plastic and are attached to the exhaust of buildings. The air from the exhausts provide warmth and a means of inflating the structures.
An artist collective in Berlin also responded to the homeless by providing these St. Michael Cathedrals in areas frequented by the homeless. St. Micheal is the patron Saint of the Homeless.
A homeless person can stick his head into the cardboard structure...
And be transformed to another place if only for a moment.
You might ask why bother? Why work this way?
Fact is there are about 400+ public art programs that commission artworks in the US that artists from Virgin Island are eligible for. Each of these agencies commission an average of 15 projects a year and project budgets range from $30,000 to $1 Million with most averaging at about $100,000. Public art commissions have provided many artist with an alternative to getting their work out there in lieu of pursuing gallery representation. The workshops, discussions, and conversations on this blog and the days in St. Criox will give artists the tools to help them compete for these commissions and in the process have new insight in their own art practices.
Why work this way? probably the question many artists on StX internalize - aside from these surprising monetary answers, it's time (for me, at least) to ask if the pursuit of individualistic, creation of personal imagry is the "best" (in a spiritual/social/ethical sense)use of my time as an artist. In these rather stark and changing times, for me - the answer is, "no".
ReplyDeleteI used to believe that there was an "artistic" temperament, probably because of projecting my own rather introverted personality onto others. ...a temperament that would preclude collaboration. SO! personally, I'm not sure I'm suited to this idea, but I find it intriguing, and a constructive direction for the future of "ART". Art. art. the goddess diminished by dissemination? or magnified through collaboration? Let's find out.
These are all great points that warrant a back and forth discussion instead of a one-sided answer from me. I hope you are part of that discussion during one of the workshops.
ReplyDeletei would hope that the artists who are also teachers would embrace this project to enhance their students perceptions of their world. it does not seem to be just a project or exercise for artists alone!
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous and Cynthia - these are valuable points - may i suggest that you post your comments to the bottom of the page, under Daily Strife images, as that is where the "discussion" is taking place - there are about 9 comments posted now - thanks for your input! best, Janet
ReplyDeleteAm not sure why the focus on Daily Strife, which is closing, and the purpose of Kendal's visit is to promote and create awareness and solicit support for art in public places and/or public art - limiting discussion to one entry in this wonderful blog is limiting discussion on all issues raised.
ReplyDeleteIn the blog below Daily Strife the focus is on ideas relating to a possible project and ways to approach it conceptually and physically - mention is also made of some possible locations. There is no discussion about Daily Strife.
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