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58 Comments on thursday november 16, 2006 : field report

  1. Needs a big screen TV.

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  2. Bonjour,

    be zen.

    S.

    P.S

    First. :)

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  3. Hmm - a moonwalk without a padded floor … but then again I like the padded floor…

    And I wonder if the park police allow moonwalks during events…

    Point being … is this really an original idea, and is a whole episode of RB worth this idea?

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  4. oz

    Now I know why us artists will be the first ones to go… this is our idea of Survivalism. While everybody else is hoarding canned goods, water and generators, we’re thinking about inflatable studios that you can wear.

    We’ll still look good though….we’ll be wearing our hand painted sneakers.

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  5. every rooftop needs one

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  6. Ken

    Wow… that’s pretty cool, and… everyone is using Macs in the studio! Pretty progressive stuff…

    2 years ago  ∞
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      2 years ago  ∞
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  7. The idea of ‘reclaiming’ public space in parks and other recreational areas is contradictory and greedy. These are already spaces designated for use by the public, so setting up impromptu structures that obstruct or infringe from another’s use of said public space is a statement of capitalist entitlement.

    The areas that should be ‘reclaimed’ are disused public land that could be transformed into parks or boarded-up buildings that could be transformed into affordable housing.

    A public park is meant to be shared and not consumed. If I was sitting in the park and this person set up her noisy/smelly generator next to where I was reading, I’d be angry, because this thing not only taking up and undue amount of space, but affecting the nearby environment in adverse ways that impacts other’s enjoyment.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  8. “reclaim public space”? From whom? The public? And by putting up walls? For a place for people to use their laptops even more isolated from the world around them then they already are? I like the idea of the inflatable shelter and re-use with clothing, but it’s still putting up walls…

    2 years ago  ∞
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  9. Freedom to create an artistic space is vital, and it’s a major problem that all artists are up against.

    I think that when you get down to it, the USA basically discriminates against artists. The status quo is one of obsession with ownership and limits, and penalizing people who stray over the lines or make bootleg copies of stuff.

    On an unrelated note:

    Did you all know that Israel used a uranium dirty bomb against Lebanon? I’m amazed. See here: http://winterpatriot.blogspot.com/2006/11/confirmed-israel-nuked-lebanon.html

    2 years ago  ∞
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  10. I love your segments on art, but I find this one rather pretentious. As others have said, it’s a flawed concept trying to “reclaim” public land…when there’s nothing to be “claimed” in the first place.

    Personally, I think this artist had a great idea, executed it, but then…the art establishment being the art establishment…she had to somehow “justify” what she made and came up with some artspeak concept about “reclaiming public space.” Why can’t art just be for art’s sake? Create something beautiful and let it speak for itself.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  11. This reminds me of Lucy Orta who also works around the idea of physical, personal space. Orta’s work seems to me to be more thought out and justified.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  12. It’s an interesting and creative project. I like the atmosphere inside the bubble, and I bet its nice to work/create in.

    However the name “survivalism” for a project involving lots of macintosh laptops is a bit funny :-)

    2 years ago  ∞
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  13. i hate episodes with only one topic.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  14. This is–undoubtedly–one of the worst works of “art” that has ever crossed my line of sight. As an avid nature lover, hiker, and backpacker, I would be appaled if someone were to attempt to “reclaim” the public land I was touring by constructing such a hideous inflatable isolation chamber. It’s a ridiculous concept not worthy of an entire episode of RB.

    Serious, and much more accomplished, artists turn to their environemnt and surroundings for inspiration. In the event privacy is needed to continue their work, they find it in their own brick and mortar studio or favorite private spot.

    That being said, these shacks would provide an excellent napping spot for the homeless. String several together and you can create your very own 21st century Hoovertown!

    2 years ago  ∞
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  15. This is–undoubtedly–one of the worst works of “art” that has ever crossed my line of sight. As an avid nature lover, hiker, and backpacker, I would be appaled if someone were to attempt to “reclaim” the public land I was touring by constructing such a hideous inflatable isolation chamber. It’s a ridiculous concept not worthy of an entire episode of RB.

    Serious, and much more accomplished, artists turn to their environemnt and surroundings for inspiration. In the event privacy is needed to continue their work, they find it in their own brick and mortar studio or favorite private spot.

    That being said, these shacks would provide an excellent napping spot for the homeless. String several together and you can create your very own 21st century Hoovertown!

    2 years ago  ∞
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  16. A nice show, and a not uninteresting topic.
    But I must say, RB’s commenters are showing themselves to be a somewhat reactionary lot.
    Oh, and I enjoy the raw and slightly amateur interview mode, which I suspect is deliberate.
    Keep up the good work RB.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  17. I love the idea. In an age when everyone seems so insecure that they have to be connected to everyone else every second of the day by cell or things hanging on their ear or email, I’m happy to see that some people think privacy, even for a little while, is important. “He who can’t stand their own company…is usually right”.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  18. See, in America these are called tents.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  19. Hmm - two flawed concepts in two days.
    From across the pond it looks
    like the American Art scene
    has dumbed down to the point
    where reclaiming public space
    and admiring billionaires
    because they’re billionaires
    is ok.
    It ain’t.

    Make a judgement call guys.
    You cover the ridiculous and
    the sublime and it’s always
    possible to tell where the
    RocketBoom philosophy lies.
    At the moment I can’t understand why on earth you
    don’t like Rumsfeld when you’re so in love with his children.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  20. Jon

    Kinda proves my theory that there is nothing more boring than listening to an artist talk about art [or almost anything else]. YIKES!

    The tent thingy was cool though.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  21. I agree that one can’t “reclaim” public space with this piece- just “claim” it with a big white cubic flag as your personal conquest.

    Public parks might not be the best place for them but I can see the advantages for an artist that is surrounded by abandoned parking lots, electrical wires, litter and concrete.

    This is what I find the most interesting - the clean, white, light diffused interior .I think the quality of light when you are inside would make an artist relax and be able to clear their mind of environmental influences. It would be a good place to allow you to be able to wholly concentrate on a project.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  22. Fun idea *(reminds me of my camping days) Where do you plug in the fan?

    2 years ago  ∞
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  23. “Art” does seem rather a grand label for an inflated tent.

    RB tends to interview cute, likable people. Usually these are people who also like RB and who welcome the publicity. These interviews tend toward the bland and unsurprising.

    I’d like to see you interview someone who hates everything you stand for.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  24. Well, that was uhm, an, uhm, idiotic concept. What a, uhm, waste of, uhm an episode.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  25. Yo,

    I suppose I could comment on the whole “reclaiming public space” nonsense, but most of the previous posters have done a fine job of that already.

    The tent is a neat idea at first glance, but it doesn’t strike me as a truly original concept. Huong seems like a very likeable, knowlegable person, however. Her project seems to be far more practical than artistic.

    What does make it art is the discussion that it’s sparked. Kudos to everyone on this board. Your comments are lucid, intelligent, and well worth the read.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  26. I’m sure I’ve seen that concept before…a mobile, temporary structure that can exist anywhere…to erect a personal barrier against the surroundings…a cultural echo going back to ancient times…oh yeah, I’ve got it!

    It’s called a TENT.

    The only difference between this art and a tent is that the white cube requires the consumption of energy. Therefore, what it does, a tent does better, especially if you’re too far from a power source. There is no conceptual difference between erecting the white cube or a common family-size camping tent in a New York City park or parking lot space.

    Like the earlier poster, I’m honestly not trying to be mean to the artist, but…it just seems like such an easy target, an example of a very common concept that’s been given the unfortunately too common hyper-rationalization that you find coming out of particularly precious and disconnected-from-reality academic programs.

    Here’s some inflatable art that is somewhat more inspiring, aesthetically and socially speaking…
    Urban Nomad Shelter
    Sunflower

    2 years ago  ∞
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  27. Another good show.

    Is she going to sell those things???

    2 years ago  ∞
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  28. Yawn….. I’m sure its been fun for Miss Houng…. kinda like having a clubhouse or camping in the backyard as a kid…. but pretty damn useless in terms of shelter or workspace. There’s No BIG Idea here… just somone having fun…wanting lots attention. Burning Man spawns more innovative creative, and engaging living stuctures by the thousands. RB …you are better than this. Please dig deeper if you wish to light people’s imagination or even hold our attention.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  29. Leron:
    I’m glad to see that someone will stand up to NYC’s bullying. But recently I watched the movie Still We Ride and was dismayed to see how NYC uses the court system as a way of punishing people. As one person said, it’s not the fine that’s the punishment, it’s the process of having to go to court, maybe several times…
    Zach

    2 years ago  ∞
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  30. Zack: It’s art in the sense of architecture. I think it has a tradition behind it in Asia. For example: Just watch any Kurosawa movie and see how Japanese generals near the battlefield would set up spaces consisting of canvas walls.
    -Zacharelli

    2 years ago  ∞
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  31. this is just a tent… portable art studio?? this is not a new idea tents have been here for ages?? I don’t get it? Im totally open to new fresh thinking but come on… blow up tent and call it an art studio.. please.. heres si something related and worth talking about..

    http://www.skylightballoon.com/

    2 years ago  ∞
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  32. Where’s your sense of wonderment?

    Yes, “reclaim” was a poor word choice, but then since when have an artist’s words been so vital to the experience? She was responding to Joanne asking if the contraption itself was art, and nervously evaded the question.

    The thing looks light, ethereal, much more so than a tent. It’s made of old FedEx bags. The inflating looks like it’s done with a silent Vornado plugged into an emergency battery, not an air compressor like those kiddie jump-structures. I would say it strikes a nice balance between function and form.

    I don’t think the artist ever claims on tape that it’s anything more than an exercise. If she and those she shares the space with are productive, have fun, and are brought closer together, then power to her. It looks like a social thing more than artistic.

    Doing this show doesn’t mean RB thinks this is more important than Burning Man, or that Ms Huong will change the world one cube at a time. But it does mean Joanne thinks it’s cool. I think it’s cool, too.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  33. Most new age art I don’t really care for but this is really grabbed my attention. The only problem I have is those “pop-up blockers”.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  34. This was two really weak shows in a row. Leron commented on how the viewer was left asking questions yesterday. Here are my questions today:

    - Was she an artist reclaiming public space or is she homeless? I watched your show and went to the provided link. I come away with the perception that she lost her lease and the next place isn’t available. Either that or she can’t afford a place.
    - How is this idea different from the fort my brothers and I made out of bedsheets when we were kids?
    - What is survivalist about having a lighweight inflatible tent? The homeless will tell you it will blow away or allow one to freeze to death.

    Don’t get me wrong. Please continue to display NYC artists in these shows as they’re very entertaining. Where else can a homeless street musician get so much street cred. while spewing verbal diahrea?

    Oh, the bit where Joanne was nearly arrested for prev’ing within 500′ of a school was priceless!

    2 years ago  ∞
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  35. Zacharelli:

    Your post is so full of cow dung, it’s not funny.

    Go get yourself a loft and jump…….

    2 years ago  ∞
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  36. Leron — Ditto to everything you said.

    Donna — Double dittos to everything YOU said.

    Morenz — Is a thing art if it sparks discussion? Does OJ’s new book qualify as art?

    Fred — OK by me. My speaking fees are surprisingly affordable. I’m also available for weddings and bar mitzvahs.

    Zach — I see it as a fun bit of whimsy, more craftsy than artsy. What qualities make this object architecture?

    Ereka — Ethereal? I don’t see it. If it IS art, I would guess it’s an example of cubism. Eh? Eh? Cubism? Cause it’s a …. never mind.

    Also — I’m disappointed in the lack of interest generated by the link to video of Joanne wearing a bikini. Where are the journalistic priorities — indeed, the cultural priorities — when Joanne is upstaged by a canvas cube?

    2 years ago  ∞
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  37. POD

    Huong Ngo, meet Jack.

    Jack Daniels, meet Huong Ngo.

    What’s that - oh, you’ve already met?

    I should have guessed.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  38. Reclaiming public space by intruding on other people’s space. Boy what a concept. Not only intruding on the public space of others but destroying the view of everything around, behind and in front of this stupid monstrosity. If you’re an artist, get yourself a studio. Can’t afford one? Chip in with a few other artists and get a real studio.

    Donna was right on the money. it’s a damn Tent

    ooooooo. Gimme a break!

    2 years ago  ∞
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  39. Pretty poor choice of topic. Another artist that is creating stuff that doesn’t need to be created. That form of art is a completely selfish way to make art. Absolutely no consideration of other people - only what will make the person looking at the art (or sitting in) feel better about themselves.
    Besides - as mentioned - the tent has been invented before. You can even buy lighter ones than that!
    One more thing, as far as I am concerned you are erecting some sort of a structure without a permit. I agree you shouldn’t do that in public spaces without good reason. I disagree with the reason that it is to protect the children. Surely they could have recited the ‘temporary structure in a public space’ bylaw to them.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  40. I am self-loathing. All that I know in life is ownership of things. I am neurotic about laws. Every law must be respected, because laws are always good. Even those old laws that legalized slavery were… oops. Is this microphone on?

    2 years ago  ∞
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  41. Donna - thanks for the
    Urban Shelter link.

    Very cool.

    R.B. Thanks for this video.
    If you hadn’t shown it - I’d
    have never read the posts that
    led to the link Donna put up:

    http://www.idonline.com/adr05/concepts.asp

    A definite Boom.
    cheers.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  42. Mdx

    Reclaiming public space… finding a space and making it your own… Where’s the contradiction there I wonder.

    I also missed the wearable aspect.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  43. To whomever posted that rant in my name, I’m truly flattered to be honored with a link to the true art of Pee Wee Herman.

    Now that website is PURE UNADULTERED ART.

    …but don’t use my name again, or I’ll gag you and make you live in one of those tents on the moon…the rocket is waiting to take you away!

    (…and it’s only a one way ride)

    2 years ago  ∞
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  44. 2 years ago  ∞
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  45. I think I’d have to agree with “packie”. Didn’t find it that innovative of a topic for an episode and definitely not worthy of a whole episode. by the way why don’t you guys diversify. I know your writer(s) current RB stuff got a fan base but why not since your in production have some off-shoots dedicated to certain topics. Just a thought.

    Watching since the beginning.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  46. I like the square art-tent, but please encourage the artist to tie it down very securely, especially on a roof.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5208898.stm

    2 years ago  ∞
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  47. Thanks for all of the comments. I always take polarized responses as a sign that I’m doing something that affects people and is important to them, whether it infuriates or delights them.

    About the power source, I would like to set the facts straight. When the studio needs an independent power source, I use a silent, rechargeable, deep cycle battery. The 11″ fan that inflates the space uses less power than a 60 watt lightbulb.

    You can learn more about the history of inflatables and the groups of artists that I mentioned in the interview here:
    http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/008306.php
    http://www.eai.org/eai/tape.jsp?itemID=9339
    http://www.archigram.net/got
    http://homepage.mac.com/gowithflo/

    2 years ago  ∞
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  48. I sincerely appreciate your sharing your work with us. It takes guts to put yourself out in front of the public and say, “Look at what I did.”

    Your cube is a nice little doodad. I don’t think it’s all that and a big bag of chips, but it was work to think it up and then to make it and it came out nice. That’s not a small accomplishment. Most of us would be lucky to do so well.

    As for affecting us, importance, etc and etc: the comments here run the gamut from “meh” to “hey, cool” to “you’re not serious, right?” It’s more of a lumpy bell curve than a bimodal distribution. And keep in mind that thoroughly disinterested people won’t comment at all, and most RB viewers don’t ever comment, so this sample of opinion is quite skewed in at least a couple of ways.

    If you want to see us really polarized, ask us what Drew should do about the map.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  49. Thanks for the feedback but I was wondering if you’d care to elaborate on your intentions and in particular your response to the above comments’ criticisms and assertions.

    I love nothing more than artists clarifying their goal for the benefit of public understanding.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  50. This is the first time i have read the comments on an episode because this was by far the worst episode of RB i,ve seen. What a load of pretentious crap!

    2 years ago  ∞
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  51. Really silly.

    2 years ago  ∞
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  52. Thanks for using my music on this videoblog. ;-)

    Peace!

    2 years ago  ∞
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