2001, public performance
Inspired by panhandlers who hold up cardboard signs, the artist held his own signs in a heavily trafficked intersection. The labels were specific to the artist's identity: "CHILD OF DIVORCE," "WATCHED TOO MUCH TV AS A KID", "5'7" 172 LBS.," and the like.
The piece was logged on a Web site through its duration:
www.cardboardlabel.net
This piece was successful in its ability to engage the public in a non-art setting. It failed conceptually in that the underlying message implied by a man holding a cardboard sign is that he wants money. It also had an air of making fun of people who carry cardboard signs for "real."
Another piece is in the works to address these failings. Stay tuned.