Fruits of Labor, 2005
In theory: a meditation and exploration of colonialization, militarism, and consumption.
Lilies made out of butchers paper
Over a hundred carefully constructed ornamental lilies made out of white butchers paper.
Sewn Flag, 10ft x 7ft
Altered American flag where the white stripeds have been replaced by military camouflage stripes. Flag has been shown in various art exhibitions and public demonstrations. Photos below include demonstrations with Jack Waters, Peter Cramer, Carlo Quispe, and Devon Gallegos.
Colored Note Cards, 4" x 6"
An online survey was compiled by placing several adult gay personal ads online. The survey entertained questions on income, career and expenses helping to raise the question what free time really means. The answers were compiled into small colored notecards which were rated and placed hanging along the trees next to some camouflage wall tapestries.
Fruits of Labor
Video (03:45)
A short animation series screened of slowly manipulated images of the New York Stock Exchange. Images slowly transform from benign patriotic documentation of tourists, commerce, police security, and business men into silhouettes and landscape taken over by war camouflage. The animation process exposes the subtle shift of people into soldiers of war created by commerce and political climate.
The Emperor’s Premiere
Performance Documentation (15:11)
Documentation of a gender-ambiguous fashion show performance. Each model is wearing clothes out of recycled fabrics and perform an identity they create inspired by the clothes while escorted by men in military uniform. During the performance, one model gets harassed on stage, forced down to the ground, and humiliated. The show climaxes with a sexualized Abu Grab/Ku Klux Klan/Homeland Security inspired outfit. The performance incorporates political subversion, dance as resistance, and the construction of gender. The performers excite the audience through sexual flirtation and fantasy while at the same time are kept in line by men in military uniforms causing tension between freedom and oppression. The performance shift perspectives, bordering between subversive fashion and symbolism to expose ideas of how cultures, political movements, and identity can be co-opted and rendered powerless through superficial trends in style and popular media relegated towards consumerism, voyeurism, and inherent dynamics in sexualized power relationships. From torturer to tortured, fantasy to reality, acceptance to resistance, each model transgresses gender. Please see it/EQ Collaborative for more information.
