Conciencia Artistica: Sept. 16, 2005

CAUTION: Something to think about
By Geneva Gamez

San Diego, CA -In the past few weeks, you may not even be aware, but we were all part of quite a few artistic public interventions. It all started with this idea an artist had in mind; the brainstorming, the efforts and the risks involved in the process of bringing this amazing idea of the CAUTION project to life.
 
While the fruited idea may have stirred offense to drivers-by, or seemed like a redundant thematic to others, some actually found it exciting -but that may be credited to those that find anything risky fun. The CAUTION project, however, was not meant to be offensive, redundant, or exciting –the truth is though, it is –and that’s what makes this project so unique in its originality to tell the same story in a different way.
 
On August 26, 2005, a local artist, member of the DoEAT, Inc. (Department of Ecological Authoring Tactics) art collective, brave enough to go against all odds, posted several magnetic phrases over the yellow signs showing the well known “immigrant family crossing the freeway”. The large magnetic strips, painted yellow as the original sign, read phrases like “FREE MARKET”, “NO BENEFITS”, “NOW HIRING”, and “WANTED” in bold black print.
 
It was interesting to see how people react to unexpected disturbances in their everyday lives, and funny how some things hit us harder than others. As cars slowed down and heads turned trying to make out the new wording of the disturbed signs along I-5 and Highway 905, some phrases seemed to hold a stronger meaning than others; in fact, the “NOW HIRING” sign posted along Highway 905 was brought down by an spectator hours soon after it was posted –ironically, the “FREE MARKET” one, which was posted right over on the other side of the road was still up after five days. The intervention was already having an effect on the public.
 
The point of public interventions isn’t only for artists to parade their work around public places, but to get the people involved. It’s not about anyone liking it or accepting it; it’s about doing something to reach out to an otherwise numb public to become aware, conscious and active. It’s about creating a piece of art that will in turn create a reaction –and whatever that reaction may be, it’ll fulfill the reason for the intervention.
 
In continuation with the CAUTION project’s first phase, DoEAT, Inc. went out on their second mission during Labor Day weekend and impacted more CAUTION signs. Added phrases included “CASH ONLY”, “HOME OF THE FREE” and “GREAT EXPECTATIONS”. These phrases relate in one way or another to illegal immigrant’s labor in the United States and carry an underlining criticism towards commercialism. It features a raw reality that is more relevant to the present situation that illegal immigrants face once they find themselves looking for jobs on this side of the border.
 
Although, we are all aware that ill paid labor is better saved for those who are here illegally, these interventions have served as a bitter reminder that we are too comfortable with the issue. Hopefully, the vivid phrases plastered on the non-efficient signs, disturbed a comfort zone that is screaming to become active.
 
There is no reason for anyone living in the United States, or anywhere for that matter, to be treated anything less than human.
 
Stay tuned for more public interventions and artistic projects by DoEAT, Inc.
 
To contact the writer e-mail: gamezgeneva@yahoo.com