A WORK IN PUBLIC SPACE BY THOMAS HIRSCHHORN, PRODUCED BY DIA ART FOUNDATION NEW YORK
LOCATED AT FOREST HOUSES, THE BRONX - NEW YORK CITY, SUMMER 2013
One of the duties of the ambassador is to organize weekly “field trips” outside of
the community where Gramsci Monumentis located. The purpose of these visits is to
meet with individuals who can tell us what they do and what they enjoy the most about
their work. Much ought to be said about this investigation into the nature of work.
For the moment, I would like simply to point to the logistical complexity of traveling
in public transportation with twelve children between the ages of 9 and 15 from the
Bronx to Beacon, New York. Phew! Our first challenge occurred 10 minutes into our
expedition when we learned that the MTA changed their regulations and that a Metrocard
can only be swiped four times in a row. Fortunately the ticket seller at the Prospect
station took pity on us and allowed the group to go through the gate without much
fuss (we were not that lucky at the 125th/Harlem station). I will learn two hours
into the trip that this first inconvenience will be a gentle bump when compared to
the hoops the kids made us jumped through for the remainder of the visit to Dia:Beacon.
The first field trip was, as mas like to say, neither "a total failure or a total
success." On the one hand, we achieved a few moments of bliss, when the kids seemed
engaged in looking at the art and having fun. And we also experienced moments of
complete chaos when they were all talking over each other. However, they were a handful
of memorable moments: the discussion about the word "originality" in front of Dan
Flavin's work, the questions that arise inside Richard Serra's torqued ellipses,
and hearing Maja singing "a capella" with Bosco as we walked out of the museum. I
would like to express my immense gratitude to the five adults who accompanied me
on this adventure: Joyce, Freddie, Jerry, DJ Gucci, and Daniel’s mother. The fact
that nobody got hurt or lost was due to their attentiveness and explicit involvement.
Second, the staff at Dia:Beacon, Melissa, Bosco and Amanda who saved the day with
their warm hospitality and graceful presence. Third, and more importantly, I would
like to thank the twelve participants, who dedicated their attention and shared their
thoughts on the works of Andy Warhol, Sol LeWitt, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Robert
Smithson and Richard Serra. As Stanley Scott, one of the chefs of Gramsci bar observed
early this morning: "Nobody should complain about parenting until you have twelve
of your own! These kids were not even yours!"
