TAKE ART, OR LEAVE IT

Grad Show Tasmanian School of Art (SOCA). 2017

Sculpture

Galvanised Mesh, Lamp Holders, Wire, Bulbs, Aluminum, 4.4kw Electricity.

70cm high x 500cm wide x 200cm deep.

Taking art without paying has become socially acceptable for individuals.  So much so that commercial and government entities have come to feel it is acceptable for them to also take art.

Images of my artwork, Angry Electrons (Dark MOFO 2015), were used without my permission in commercial advertising.  The government funded organisation did not attribute me as the artist, they also defaced the artwork in a way that demeaned and discredited it. Both these things are breaches of my Moral Rights under the Copyright Act.

This artwork, TAKE ART, OR LEAVE IT, parodies the catch phrase of that campaign; “MAKE ART WHERE ART IS BEING MADE”. The illuminated sculpture TAKE ART, OR LEAVE IT is made of the same materials of the ephemeral participatory animation (installation) that was Angry Electrons.

I have often used light globes to shine light on ideas I have about decay, planned obsolescence, and corporate theft of creativity. Some of these works include Bulb 2009, Flicker 2011, and Stomp 2012.  Inspiration for the form of this work comes from the light bulb sign writing used in the entertainment industry that I am a part of. From Countdown in the 70s to the golden era of Broadway musical theatre, light bulbs have been used to say ‘Good Times’. By mounting the light bulbs in cages, I am trying to subvert their ‘Good Times’ intent.

Many of my works have been appropriated by photographers and film crews, and I would estimate that approximately six times a year my work of mine has been ‘taken’ for commercial purposes. Owners of photographic equipment only consider their own copyright, and ignore (shit on) the moral rights of artists, and designers.