art iswar Strikes FIU
It looks like they've done it again. Street artist leaves an intriguing highbrow installation on FIU campus. In the corner of the GOLD GARAGE near the Graham Center, the elevators have been transformed into a ticking piece of time art. Outside it appears normal, except for simple and recognizable placards placed over the doorway to each elevator identifying respective "HAVE" and "HAVE NOT" compartments. The doors open and the elevator on the right is a dingy, dirty carrier seemingly forgotten by all. But on the left, the doors open to a beautifully transformed interior yeilding wallpapered walls, stained glass, curtains, framed picturesque prints, and music. The artist, unknown at this time, seems to have left a message for the patrons of the elevator challenging them to "look for the hidden implications of everyday life." and to "not allow yourself to be overlooked." One thing is for sure, this is a bewildering stunt even for FIU's known history of strange occurences. Officials are unaware as to when and if they will remove the decorations adorning the elevator as of yet. What do you think? Is this art or vandalism? What action should be taken if any? Is the artist justified in his actions by the pro-social content of his work? You can decide for yourelf but you will have to move quick. Time art has a way of simply... dissapearing.
this is the exclusive footage of the art iswar installation that took place over the weekend. the overall response was overwhelming. so far I have not seen any response from the media to the press release, however it created quite a stir among students campus wide. the second video is a hidden camera capture of early on reactions to the installation. posted below is the copy of the manifesto hung inside the elevator itself. the piece seems to be bringing on a huge spectrum of feelings. but the most exciting thing is that people are actualy talking to each other, sharing ideas, and sowing true community. I feel like the piece was widely successful and it has altered the space in more ways than simply visualy/audibly. one last thing: if you go to FIU or live in the Miami area keep your eyes out for RobotLove, art iswar, epky, cray, VK, 4lEE, FFE, Flee From Evil.
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This is not just an elevator; it is a metaphor for life. Everyday people ride the elevator to move between levels of a building. But elevators are designed with the status of the people intended to use the elevator in mind. The extremes range from extravagant parlor-like compartments for the rich, to shabby almost forgotten platforms for the poor. With this installation, it is the intent of the artist to draw out the black and whites.Society has placed a border around the so-called separation between the have and the have not. It is our duty as a people to question this imposed rule of thumb; to ask ourselves is it right for us to accept this permeable doctrine as truth. We are expected to not notice, to let it slide, after all it is only a ride in an elevator. You are challenged now as you exit this elevator to look for the hidden implications of everyday life. Do not allow yourself to be overlooked.