Performing the Maintenance Art in the area around the USU was like when I clean my home. It felt ordinary since it is muscle memory for me. However, it was pleasant to meet my classmates and be friendly. Mierle Laderman Ukeles Maintenance Art is considered art maybe because she cleaned the steps of a museum or because she is a New York City-based artist known for her feminist ideals. She realized that she has the freedom to name maintenance art since her two worlds were colliding. One is being a mother and an artist. While Richard Serra flinging molten lead is splashed onto the walls is different than maintenance since it is deliberate.
He is known to work with heavy metal and takes pride in how heavy they can get in pounds. Which I find interesting, to say the least. Therefore they are not the same both have different styles and messages but ultimately both are bold and unique. It is art for both because it strikes an emotion onto the viewer who can take it one of many ways. The become the interpreter of the art and take what they need to see or feel from it and make it their own experience. Mierle’s Maintenance Art performance is an art because she wants it to be a message to the world that she is an artist who called it art by making it a movement. If she would have performed that job 6 months ago as a hired janitor it could be art by those who see her daily task as an inspiration or art movement when blended with the act of feminism. Since it is so simple to define but made frustratingly made more complicated.
Mierle and Richard both changed the way art is viewed through the performance of normal tasks to common beings who could relate to it. Also creating abstract pieces that he conveys his passion. Saying art is either one or the other is impossible when you see both like art. An object and an action are art depending on the intrinsic property because it is the in the nature it belongs too. As it’s own creative act becoming part of someone’s life. If a piece of “art” is in the museum it is because someone or a group of people called it art. Many can relate to the piece or are inspired by it. When asked if a house painting is art or not is not up to us it’s to the owner of the piece of art. I would consider it art if I picked it out and decided to place it in my home. A painting on a canvas isn’t always art like when a person paints without intention. While painting a house could be art, for instance, image 2 is of two homes that are always publicized online because of how different the vibe is. One is dark and mysterious and the other being bold and bright colors.
The words “Women’s Work” for me is direct. Women who work is simply that if their career or job is considered art for some then be it. I try to see the beauty in daily routine life. When we discussed cleaning a Star on Hollywood Blvd. I began to think who would I clean and no one came to mind. I do not idolize celebrities enough to want to get down on my knees and clean a Star that does not have any relation or emotion attach to me. Now I would leave objects of appreciation but nothing more.
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