The Box Project

The Box Project by Abbigael Beddall

In early 2009 Abbigael Beddall began the production of 1000 handmade boxes using unique scraps of paper from a variety of sources. Now -- having tagged, priced, numbered, signed, and fully documented the works – they are ready for free distribution in exchange of a signature in her catalogue. (Much like a receipt or petition.)

Beddall will distribute the boxes, valued at $2,178,508,724 combined, to individuals at the Occupy Wall Street site on October 15, 2011 from 12noon to 2:00pm. The artist sees the project as her contribution to the economy as those accepting the boxes will see their individual assets increase accordingly.

The boxes help "stimulate the economy while highlighting our failed systems of value,” says Beddall. The performance scratches far beneath the surface, simultaneously mocking and creating economic exchange that flies in the face of those who have decided they are global decision makers.

The first 500 boxes will be distributed in New York City October 15, 2011 on Wall Street next to the bull's ass.

The last 500 boxes will be given away in Washington DC on October 22, 2011 at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. NW (between the Department of Treasury and U.S. Capitol).

Intervention at #OccupyOakland

Liesa Lietzke performed an intervention during #OccupyOakland:

"I started this work by pondering how to fit sculpture to the topography of Frank Ogawa Plaza, the city center of Oakland. My purpose, as always, was an aesthetic intervention that introduced playful absurdity into the everyday setting. When I heard that #OccupyOakland was going to happen in the plaza, I thought how much more fun it would be to install the work as a launch for the Oakland Occupennial (The first occupennial was organized by #OccupyWallStreet--the word references biennial art fairs). Being a lone rogue artist is, after all, a tired trope.

I installed the work before the first event on 10/10 and watched as people gathered over the course of the afternoon to fill the plaza, the space itself renamed by a large banner reading "Welcome to Oscar Grant Plaza--on Ohlone land."

The work was completed by people's participation. Some examined and squeezed the sculptures. One piece was labeled with a sign reading "Octopi Oakland." Looking at the same multi-legged piece, another occupier commented, "I don't get it. Is it making the point that suits are dicks?""

YESIREE THE PUBLIC NOTARY / CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

We have a window here, change will happen, to begin to think about what is wanted, not not wanted, has many levels of meaning and action. In order to properly Notarize these statements I need valid Identification. As one attests to who they are (that is actually what I am notarizing) they must form their thoughts about what a new world might look like, dually they state these envisionments, and by this act, include themselves in helping to make their vision a reality. Its illocutionary, my dear. Actually in the laws of the Notary, we are held to what we say (and we must say what we say Aloud!), or we will be committing perjury. However I do not threaten perjury to happy occupiers and visitors, but an opportunity to think for themselves what it is they want. This is not by consensus, but will be made into a collection. I plan to make this into a document that can stand as an archive of thoughts of this time of change. To be used in what way seems best, a library, for further action, research -  however, as time will tell. For now it is important to document this sentiment and initiate the forming and annunciation of these affirmations.

yesireepublicnotary.wordpress.com

Steve Lambert and Josh Luke make signs for Occupy Boston

Josh Luke (pro sign painter of Best Dressed Signs) and I headed over to Occupy Boston to help improve their signs. What was there was signs you’d make quickly if you had a sharpie and a piece of cardboard. What we left were a few handmade, red, white and blue beauties.

We tried to remake signs that identified tents like “Legal,” “Info,” “Media,” the free market, and others. Then Josh and I made a giant reminder to “Have Fun” before we finished.

We did this casually and took photos with our cell phones. Most of these photos are of Josh’s work because I was so stunned by his skills I actually forgot to take pictures of my own.

Read some other thoughts on the PSFK blog.

http://visitsteve.com/made/improving-occupyboston-signs-with-josh-luke/

Signal Strength

"Amelia Marzec, 30, displays her creation called Signal Strength. The hack involves using a device to send peer-to-peer signals between mobile phones, making a traditional network unnecessary and preventing conversations from being surreptitiously monitored."

Check the Occupennial calendar for details on when Marzec will set this up again. Stay tuned!

 http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2011/10/political-hackathon/?pid=1210

#occupyWallStreet Balloon Mapping project

The #occupyWallStreet Balloon Mapping project took place on Saturday, October 1st. For details and documentation please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blaineo/sets/72157627681704243/

Zombie March, Oct 3

The Arts and Culture working group of OWS encouraged all protesters to dress as corporate zombies on Monday October 3rd
Intention:
*As we in part are reacting against the unquenchable greed of the corporate system in place now, the zombie seems an appropriate metaphor to embody, as a reflection for those that work in the area, to perceive their actions with a new understanding.

*We encourage participants to dress, if possible, in corporate- esque attire (suits and ties for men, corporate wear for women). As it is Halloween time, white face paint and fake blood can be readily found. Get creative. Maybe the Zombies are eating monopoly money, or drinking from what looks like oil, etc. Maybe you are more of a Thriller Zombie that just wants to boogie.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/10/03/wall-street-protest-occupy.html?cmp=googleeditorspick

Summer of Change

Aaron Burr Society and Noah Fischer

"Today, September 22nd, 2011 is the last day of Summer.  And tomorrow is the beginning of the Fall...of the Empire of Greed. These coins, though insignificant in value, are the seeds of change for a new nation built on equality and justice" With these words, spoken before the New York Stock Exchange, the seven performances of the Summer of Change conclude.  We distributed each American numismatic currency from the dollar to the penny at the feet of the Gods of Wall Street in a bid to break through the mythology of Free Markets. Today we marched from Liberty Park, currently occupied as a democratic "Free Zone" in the mode of Tahrir Square (Egypt) and Puerta del Sol(Spain) to Wall Street- scattering the seeds of change as we walked.

http://www.summerofchange.net/

Light Grafitti @ Liberty Park, Oct 2

Vicki daSilva's "Light Grafitti" took place at Liberty Park on October 2, 2011:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrp_WL3LaKk