The Arts in NYC Fall 2012

From the moment Kenneth Pietrobono explained his new project, ‘Terms And Conditions,’ in class on 9/4 it immediately struck me as innovative, intriguing, and intellectual. I was fascinated by whether or not it would be possible for Kenneth to successfully bring attention to his project by blending itself in with the audience rather than make it known as an art project. I then proceeded to wonder why he would not just tell his audience that this is his art – just like a museum does by creating exhibitions – instead of leaving it up to the people around to notice what he was trying to accomplish and why he was displaying his art so casually at a public space, namely the High Line.

To facilitate my critique and experience as a part of this captivating venture, I have copied and pasted Kenneth’s explanation of what ‘Terms and Conditions’ is from his website below as a starting point. He says:

For 30 days, the artist wears 30 shirts displaying economic, political or social ‘terms and conditions.’ The selected language is used to acknowledge the principles which organize and structure our culture while little thought is given to their understanding or legitimacy, including the artist’s own.

By simply acknowledging that which cannot be conceptualized or communicated clearly, the landscape and those in it are challenged to consider the confusing and often contradictory notions that shape our lives and interactions.

Selecting the High Line for a location for the gallery was an excellent choice because of the diverse population it attracts. Not only were there native dozens of New Yorkers and foreigners traveling in New York City or here for a visit, there was a widely ranged group of people in terms of age. From elementary school aged children at the High Line with their parents to college students on dates and adults simply taking in the breathtaking views the site offers, this was one of the perfect places to potentially influence many people. Because one can only go one of two directions on the High Line itself, the dilemma of an audience too scattered not take notice of the art is not an issue. Moreover, the views of the surrounding neighborhood, the greenery, restaurants, and other people are well places throughout the park so they do not overwhelm visitors and make Kenneth’s art visible at any moment and in any part of the park.

Getting noticed while taking pictures

Initially, our IDC 1001H class strolled up and down the High Line in one large group of about 7 people until a friend of Kenneth’s, Justin, joined us and encouraged us to split into two groups and walk in opposite directions. This clever idea enabled more people to see our black, gray, and white t-shirts which featured the slogans ‘Games We Can’t All win,’ ‘Human Capital,’ ‘Protect Me From Disappointment,’ ‘Opportunity Cost,’ ‘The Sum of My Debts,’ and ‘Terms and Conditions.’ Whether one large group or two smaller ones, however, our problem was the same: we received many stares, nods, and quizzical looks, but very little verbal comments or questions. Part of this was most likely our hesitation to speak to strangers and adequately explain Kenneth’s project or the meanings of the phrases plastered across our chests, but it received attention and that was a start.

By asking people to take pictures for us, speaking to visitors also taking pictures, and merely making eye contact with passer-bys, we soon were speaking to mothers and fathers, fellow young artists, and friendly people. Justin, Damla, and Eleni were quick to make conversation with people around us and that most definitely increased the comfort level for us all. I am quite glad that they were there with me. Thus, I did not have to alter my personality in any way. All I had to do was be myself and open myself up to communicating with others just as our audience had to open itself up to the art surrounding it.

Ironically, one man thought we were all part of a business school program before we explained ‘Terms and Conditions’ to him and another man caught us off guard when he questioned what the meanings of our slogans were – particularly ‘Division of Labor.’ I realized that just as Kenneth explained, these words come out of our mouths all the time, but we have no idea what they indicate or represent. While we could not give this particular man an answer, I feel we remained true to the integrity of Kenneth’s mission which was to challenge people to question how these terms and actual practices affect us and what they mean for us all.

Adventures

Kenneth later explained that this expression, ‘Division of Labor,’ is determined by the elite just as many of the other phrases are. All of the labels are decided for the people who make up these terms without having any say themselves.

We strolled through the High Line for nearly three hours, spoke with many, and encouraged some people to speak to Kenneth as the sun set, sky changed from a pale blue to a fusion of pink, purple, orange, and navy, and as people came an went.

On my subway ride home, I was incredibly happy to have been a part of such a unique expression of art. As I mentioned in class, I would never consider this to be a form of art because of its accessibility to everyone, in terms of viewing it, but it requires a major understanding of how our society and world works to acknowledge the significance of simply making these terms visible to people of all social classes, ethnic/racial backgrounds, and age. Furthermore, these messages were each interpreted by the viewer differently – depending on their own experiences and identities as people – fulfilling one of my standards for art.

The beauty of the High Line

Art does not have to be in a museum or studio or sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars for it to be recognized and appreciated as such. Kenneth Pietrobono enabled me to become familiar with all this and to respect all types of artistic expression. Although I wish we had spoken to more people, I can genuinely conclude that Kenneth’s installation was exceedingly successful, effective, and provocative. He used New York City’s distinctiveness to his advantage and brought an entirely new meaning, for me, to the phrase ‘Arts in New York City.’ I applaud you Kenneth and eagerly look forward to your future works! – Salma M.

P.S. A special thanks to Maham for e-mailing me the pictures she took because I didn’t have my camera. All credit for these photos go to her.