A Curatorial Perspective on Two Objects.

Sweeping Up (2003) and Broombox (1997) are two works featured in No Prior Art that, when seen in relation to one another, spur conversation around necessity, purpose, and lifestyle as it relates to social class and status. With Sweeping Up, visitors are confronted with the realities and limitations of life in prison. While considered mundane objects in ordinary civilian life, cleaning implements such as brooms are seen as potential weapons within the prison system, and therefore closely monitored and under heavy control. Often, these personal maintenance items are not allowed into cells. These limitations of access lead to creative solutions such as the broom depicted in Sweeping Up. Made of old newspaper and cotton string likely spun out of dismantled socks, this broom comes out of a life defined by heavy surveillance and distrust.

In stark contrast, the satirical work Broombox comes out of postwar American consumerism– a time of golf carts and waffle irons– known for its obsession with convenience, novelty, and single-purpose functionality. Unlike Sweeping Up, the primary concern of Broombox is not cleanliness, but entertainment. The device’s aim is to combat boredom while completing household chores. This modern luxury is afforded to those privileged to lead lives of excess and frivolity, existing in a class that not only has the right to sweep whenever they please, but to be delighted as they do so!

Through the investigation of Sweeping Up and Broombox in relation to one another, it becomes clear how inventions echo the social realities of the moments in which they were made. With this in mind, it becomes important for present day problem solvers to envision the futures they would like to see for themselves. It is through this consideration of and planning for the future that one can look past immediacy and create solutions for today and beyond.

Exhibition page.