Street Art

For this project, I considered how people interact with buying and throwing things away. While consumers interact with products, I wanted to emphasize the obtaining and dismissal of disposable "junk" food. To accomplish this, I cut out eyes and teeth using the recyclable material often known as paper and taped them to vending machines. This way, the candy came out of the mouth of the vending machine; in this way, consumerism would be barfing on consumers.

Site #1: Lobby of Haven Hall (residential building -frequently visited location)

The eyes and teeth were taken down by the second day of being installed.

Site #2: 2nd Floor of Shaffer Art Building (academic -randomly visited by art students)

As this is an art building, I expected this installation to last a little longer. On the second

day, granted it was a Saturday, I found that only an eye was missing. I still need to document

the third day.

Site #3: H.B. Crouse Hall (academic -waves of people visit this place for various events)

After putting this piece up, I returned to find the teeth and an eye missing. I put the pieces back on and left them there. I am not sure what has become of them just yet.

Site #4: E.S. Bird Library (public -not crowded)

As this location is more secluded within the library cafe in that the vending machine is hidden behind a wall, I did not expect this piece to get taken down. Last I check, it was still there.

Site #5: Starbucks (public and off campus -crowded)

As there are not many vending machines off campus, I chose to alter my project. Rather than emphasize the obtaining of a product, I highlighted its disposal. I cut out sharp-looking teeth and angry eyes, then taped the all the way around the garbage opening in the counter. I hid amongst the customers by sitting at a table to see what would happen. Within five minutes an employee came out and took down my work. While she was doing this she was complaining to the other employees about how stupid people can be. She said people have way too much time on their hands and that she could not believe they taped every single piece. While the employee was both annoyed and un-admittedly amused, the customers who saw me install this commented that they found it to be amusing. They were very supportive. One mother told me that she understood because her daughter is artistic. Even though the workers were upset, the customers seemed to enjoy it. Later, I talked with one of the employees who was not there that day about Starbucks. She said that many people work there who get very upset when anyone puts up fliers without permission.