At first, I was wondering if we were just going to clean the art and dismiss class without any “REAL” learning (i.e. lecture or history of the art)., but as I was cleaning the art, I felt different. Yes, the class was just meeting up and cleaning the sculpture however that simple action I learn more than I would sitting at a classroom for an hour or so. Cleaning the art forced me to be inside of the piece and really get a good look at it, unlike my daily self-walking past it every day. I felt the groves and dents, heard the sound it created, as well as noticed many hidden attributes such as letters and a center piece. Much like how Mierle Laderman Ukeles cleaned the steps of the museum, what our class did gathered a lot of attention and question form those who were passing by. Similarly, Richard Serra got attention from her action of throwing molten lead at the art wall. I believe that any group or individual that is performing an action which causes confusion and wonders created an impactful message. Whether that message is obvious or up to debate, it gets the crowd wondering why are they doing this or what is their motive? Both are considered art due to the abstract reason of their actions. If Mierle wore janitor uniform and performed the same action, no one would second guess her actions. The reason why her performance is Art is due to the mysterious nature of it. My definition of art can be classified by the author’s purpose on the piece. So, if they painted on a canvas, almost all the time their purpose is to display their work and purpose. If a painter painted the house with the intention of adding color to the house, their purpose is not as “beautiful” as a painter painting a mural on the wall.
The Phrase “Woman’s Work is also Art” can be interpreted as the actions of any woman is Art. Society doesn’t respect the actions of women as much as men’s work thus, the phrase is born. Much like how “Black Lives Matters” means that’s the black lives ALSO matters too in society, it’s not saying black people are more superior than all. Similarly, “Women’s work is also Art” means that their actions should be appreciated as much as men’s work like how the act of cleaning should have as much respect as men’s work. Thus, this act of cleaning enforces that idea of art. The women who sat down and cleaned trump star was displaying a message. Unlike how others will verbally state their opinion and support, this lady is instead doing an action that shows her opinion. I would bend my knees for Winnie the Pooh….
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