Comments

1
I don't usually like "political" art, or the complete politicization of art that is done in some "feminist" readings. But the work that Koizumi is doing with this exhibit seems to have meaning related to power without being simply political. I appreciate your detailed description of his work, because I am on the other side of the country and I probably won't get to see it in person. But I am glad to know about it.
2
oh wow. i need to see this. so far i am turned off but that is my intrigue. thanks jen.
3
Koizumi presumes that we do not know where our food comes from, or how much work goes into getting the food to our plates. He seems to presume that we don't know about brown-skinned laborers. His presumption may be true for those who have only ever tread on pavement, but it is certainly not true for those of us who have seen more of the world. Therefore, for me, his work appears to be pandering to a relentlessly urban-centric point-of-view, which is definitely not mine.

Thanks, I'll pass.
4
"The inspiration for this split in labor came in part from Koizumi's two-month residency at Open Satellite, which includes living in an upper-floor condo in the new tower that houses the gallery."

It's nice to have an ivory tower with a view from which to contemplate those who are working out and those who are working. Was he wearing his lounging pajamas, smoking his pipe, and listening to his iPod as he meditated on this irony? Did he have a nice pillow for his head? Sure hope his room had central air.
5
@4: You're right. Koizumi is definitely more wealthy than the people who OWN the condos and PAY for the workout room in the next tower over.
6
@3: Whether you find his message personally meaningful or not, wouldn't you agree that downtown Bellevue is just the type of place that has people who probably would benefit from seeing this?

@4: Really good point, although I don't know that it makes the work invalid. If he does happen to be "wealthy," at least he's willing to wade into this messy art territory with his time and resources and ask questions that a lot of wealthy people would prefer not to have to deal with.
7
@5: Yes, it is better to be the pampered pet for those rich condo owners than it is to be an laborer for the condo developers across the way. Shame those two months of pampering had to end, eh? (After reading through some of the older Slogs I'd like to say that my complaint has nothing to do with your ability as a critic; I think you do a great job generally. And I enjoyed watching you think your way through this piece.)

@6: I wish I could agree with you, but it should be remembered that Koizumi was well compensated for this piece and that the audience which actually sees this show is limited. I suspect these privileged folk who happen to see the exhibition may feel a little guilt which will be quickly assuaged by feeling good about feeling guilty, then feel self satisfied that they're so open to experiencing this consciousness raising unpleasantness (sanitized of its offensive odor), and then go on their merry way to Bellevue Square for some shopping with a stop by Home Depot to pick up a couple of laborers to install that really cool water feature in the backyard of their McMansion.

Sorry, but in my opinion this is a cynical enterprise with zero artistic merit and nil social value.
8
My new word: 'tar' (backwards 'art'):
1. bill yourself as an 'artist'
2. do something random but provocative enough to guarantee enough attention/controversy to create a buzz because you don't really have any talent and can't really think of anything to say through your 'art' .
3. Have mixed feelings about answering his critics,claiming your answers could 'ruin' your videos, and wait for them to tell you what they think you're trying to say.
4. Once the crowd is all looking to you for an answer as to why you did this controversial, disturbing thing, and the microphone is pointed towards you, fabricate a plausible answer.

Loser.
9
I wasn't that interested in this artist until I read this. Thanks for writing this up Jen, I'll be looking for your further thoughts-after I go check out the show for myself.
10
I'm curious how you know the artist was well compensated Fool multitude?

11
@10: Did you read the article? Two month residency including free room (and board?) in the gallery's Bellevue condo. Have you priced out the going rate for renting a condo centrally located in Bellevue? And it's safe to surmise he was paid for the residency.

Yours is an odd question, I'm curious why that one statement made you curious. And, please, strangers, especially those who haven't bothered to register on the slog, call me Mr. Multitude. Who are you? The artist? His wife? Someone affliliated with the gallery? An employee of the Washington State Department of Revenue? INS?
12
This piece seemed really exploitive to me at first glance. At the same time, I think that the artist is trying to do something, anything. And you know, maybe its not so bad for him to take the metaphorical role of the oppressor. I mean not like we aren't all assholes anyway.

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