Warning: Not a Lifesaving Device

A few years ago on the Facebook page of the curator Andrea Pollan there was a discussion about the uses and effectiveness of political art. No doubt this was brought about by the crisis many artists felt in the wake of the election of and resulting ill wind blown up by Donald Trump. The discussion went back and forth along the usual lines, very earnest, sometimes tilting toward the “I am right and if you look at this great piece you will undoubtedly agree with me” kind of work, others arguing that art has no effect whatever.

After a few dozen responses, the artist Susan Eder weighed in to say the best piece of political work she had ever seen was a piece shown in the Biennial at Washington Project for the Arts years earlier. She did not remember the name of the artist, but here is part of the discussion and her description:

o   Susan Eder The best political artwork I ever encountered actually motivated me to a new behavior. It was in an early 90s show at WPA, unfortunately can’t recall the artist. Anyone remember this? It was an actual, full-size lifeboat sitting on the gallery floor, filled with small plastic bags containing army-surplus goods: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, lotion, lip balm, insect repellent, etc. Viewers were invited to take one and pass it along to someone who could use it, i.e., a homeless person. I took one and carried it in my car for weeks. I was comfortable donating $ to Food & Friends, Central Union Mission and other local organizations, but hadn’t previously interacted directly with people on the street and was intimidated by the idea of offering the bag to someone. 

One day I was stopped at a traffic light at the west end of K St. NW, and a woman was asking for money from passing motorists. I got up the courage to roll down my window and ask her if she could use the bag of stuff...and she was delighted, so grateful. From then on, I give bottled water, or if I have it, unopened food, gift cards (like for CVS and Starbucks, etc.) to people at street corners. Always well-received.

I agree with Frank Day that much political art is seen mostly by those already holding the same views, so doesn’t really change so much as confirm positions, even while giving a new and often valuable perspective. This Lifeboat didn’t preach or insist, it made a powerful statement even if no one took the bags. But how many political artworks can gently but effectively change the viewer in such a way? Has anyone else experienced this?

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o   Andrea Pollan I think that artwork was by Craig Pleasants. I could be wrong though. I do remember it vividly and had a similar experience.

Here are a couple of images from that piece. One thing not mentioned is that each zip-lock bag of sundries also contained an envelope.