I am sure that there are many pieces of Performance Art occurring each day that I might appreciate. Unfortunately, only the ones that make me mutter, "Why, dear Lord, why?" make the news.
For example, today brought a news item about Brooklyn artist Nate Hill who is making deliveries of "candy crack" his latest project (this after his Chinatown Garbage Tour, and now in conjunction with his ongoing Bouncy Rides). "Candy crack" appears to be small cones of rock candy in minuscule plastic bags. Hill delivers it between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., these being, we are informed, industry standard drug-dealing hours. Additionally, Hill makes these deliveries wearing (1) a white tuxedo and (2) a sort of mascot costume head that is supposed to represent a dolphin. (Yes, a dolphin. Although there are strong indications of an illicit Woody Woodpecker-Smurfette liaison evident in this dolphin head. Why a dolphin? Ah, that would be the bigger question. But I digress.)
From Nate Hill:"We are inviting ourselves into your home and there is some risk there. The project's infantilization of drugs and drug dealing is, of course strange and interesting, but this serves only as a bridge to arrange an unexpected meeting of strangers in what is a theatrical make-believe drug sale in your very own home."
I am nearly hopelessly lost for words at this point, having witnessed firsthand the "strange and interesting" effects of drug addiction--up to and including losses of: dignity, self respect, friendship, moral and religious support, life savings, marriage, child custody, home, job, physical and mental health, all hope and life--amongst beloved friends and family members. These were performance pieces I would give anything to have missed. I also fail to see how wearing a child-friendly cartoon head and peddling candy in the manner of real crack cocaine adds to our collective Arts Dialog.
In no way do I advocate censorship, nor am I slamming artistic expression, but. Please. Enlighten me. What is the takeaway here?
Comments
I also ask, what makes this art? This kind of concept art misses the point by only trying to be “arresting” or experiential. What talent is required? This is just children playing dress-up.
I think you’re trying to look for some deep meaning where there is none. It’s just a tactic that so many artists use nowadays to get attention. It’s seems to be a trend for modern artists to be preoccupied with getting noticed as opposed to actually creating real art. Somehow, in our society having your 15 minutes of fame is more important than following your calling for the sake of having a real purpose in life. It’s somewhat sad, but it is what it is.
Val, I concur. Natasha, ditto. I would have cheerfully settled for some wholly shallow meaning, but could find none. Furthermore, I think even a fringe performance stunt that even tangentially connects drug deals with cartoon characters is, frankly, irresponsible.
You know how “they” always say, “What about the children?” Yeah. As a documented bearer of live young, I’d rather not see hard drug deals made out to be playful artistic scenarios. Crack is no laughing matter. Seriously, why not deliver candy syringes, candy tourniquets, candy lighters, candy spoons and candy vials of candy heroin? About the same thing in terms of joyous death.
DADA!!!!!!!
I do see your point on this particular example. But it is worth bearing in mind that occasional uninspired or irresponsible examples don’t really mean that the whole idea is tainted. There is genuine value to be found out there. They’re just not the examples that make the papers.