The Returnables are artworks made of items that will be returned to the stores from which they were purchased. Doing so addresses two concepts. First, our Western consumer culture, and the effects on the environment that such consumption entails. Secondly, it exploits stores’ return policies, undermining their main goal, profitability.
Returnable #6 was installed at Growing Space Wielewaal, Rotterdam in September, 2021
https://growingspacewielewaal.hotglue.me/
Returnable #6 consisted of many rows of blinds suspended in the greenhouse. In the center I installed an electric spinning disk, with blinds, mirrors, and lighting gels. A light installed in the center reflected light off the mirrors and through the lighting gels into and around the space. The timer turned on when it was dark to activate the installation at night. Afterwards all the materials were returned to the stores from which they were purchased.
Returnable #6, 2021, window blinds, ratchet straps, electric spinning plate, light, lighting gels, timer, re-usable zip ties, and various hardware, 255 cm x 310 cm x 460 cm
Two videos documenting the installation at night
Documentation of Returnable #6 during the day
The Returnables were installed at Local Project Art Space in Long Island City, NYC, in July, 2021. This exhibtion consisted of Returnables #2, 3, 4, and 5.
Two views of the exhibition with Returnables #2, 3, 4 and 5
Returnable #5, 2021, 11 ladders and reusable zip ties, 380 cm x 380 cm x 80 cm
Returnable #4, 2021, Color Video, 11 minutes 15 seconds
Returnable #3, 2021, two rotating fans, four musical greeting cards, rulers, table, stools and hardware, 175 cm x 100 cm x 100 cm
The fans blew the cards open and closed causing the music from the greeting cards to start and stop.
Returnable #2, 2016, 14 laundry drying racks and hardware, 200 cm x 200 cm x 200 cm
Returnable #1 (I am a Bald Bastard), 2016, 60 combs, hairpins and hardware, 100 cm x 100 cm x 8 cm