LET ME USE YOU
CONCEPT
Collect unused/ unwanted/ free objects for a period of time around Zurich.
It could be interesting to put in place a set of rules on how we collect said objects to leave something to chance- we don’t know what we’ll accumulate.
For example: asking strangers in the street / friends/ shopkeepers to give us one object they have with them but really don’t need. This also furthers the collaborative notion of the project - allowing the public to become our artists.
The idea is to then use these objects in a final installation, perhaps presented in an organised museum format.
BACKGROUND
We began thinking about the usability of objects, the way you can reuse something and it take on a completely new meaning or purpose- albeit anticipated or by chance.
Living in Switzerland for a short period and observing our new surroundings, led to the realisation that items such as newspapers, and boxes can unintentionally form spontaneous artworks - for us at least!- even if not presented in an artistic setting- such as a gallery or studio. We discovered well-known road signs being used as artwork/decoration. The use of the signs in this way; a different context, gives a new connotation.
We saw ‘No entry’ and ‘Dead End” road signs used in works, anonymously - is the meaning of these signs just coincidental - what was the artist’s desired effect? And in fact who is the artist? Are they an artist?
So, the function of an object is intriguing to us.
Can we give highly recognisable objects new functions? And therefore challenge their mundane perceptions.
INFLUENCES
In our research we have come across several artists:
- Kiara Liden (Installation Serpentine Gallery, London. October- November 2010)
- Annette Messager
- Lisa Milroy (drawings, paintings series about collecting e.g. Lightbulbs.1988)
- Atelier Deshaus - architectural association
- also see HOARDERS (youtube) - be prepared, it’s gross.
PROCESS
The concept, although collaborative in the sense of making the public our artists, was also relatively personal. As foreigners here, the one to one interaction with the public was very enlightening for us, it was also a very intense method.
As a personal aspect we spent time in areas where we have been living, walking and working. A street close to Sarah’s flat, Ankerstrasse, Hauptbahnhof and Langstrasse were our key collection positions. In all we set out clear guidelines as to where and who we would ask- every passer by and every shopkeeper - albeit a chain or independent store.
We explained to the strangers, our concept, including our artistic motives(sometimes changing the reaction). The reaction to these enquiries was mixed, some very interested, others very confused. But in response we gained an array of items. The donated objects have been catalogued, and given an individual number. The object’s labels directly correspond to the wall mounted catalogue.
MEDIA / INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION
The final installation consists of an assortment of objects arranged (labels visible) on a metal shelf, with the accompanying labels, ‘item footnotes’ on a nearby wall.
