Artist Statement written Dec 2008 for a group show at school

Lia Woertendyke

Feedback

Feedback is a  public performance artwork documented photographically. The project focuses on anonymity, communication, and free speech, with a touch of social criticism and snobbery. As a native New Yorker, I am fascinated by New Yorkers' efforts (both conscious and unconscious) to be seen and heard in such a vibrant and yet very isolating environment.  

Considering the lack of intimacy the city inspires, I make myself personally  and vocally present by leaving notes on my daily routes when I come across situations that arouse my critical nature. These notes are often inspired by my own inner monologues and the judgmental quality that New York's frenetic nature provokes in me. I regularly notice the voice inside my head that wishes people did things differently. Therefore I choose to write my thoughts on Post-it notes reminiscent of those often lighthearted yet critical reminders left by one's boss, mom, or roommate. These judgments range from petty and personal reactions to things I dislike or which strike me emotionally, to larger political and social statements - such as responses to the city's lack of environmental awareness.  

By posting these thoughts around different neighborhoods and areas of New York City, I choose to express myself while retaining the namelessness New York creates for its inhabitants. In some ways, this project is my form of self expression in a place where I so often feel unheard and unseen. These notes give me an opportunity to validate my opinions. In placing these statements publicly, not only do I allow myself to be heard, but it is also my hope to create some sort of dialogue between myself and New York City strangers, even if it is silent. I hope to engage New Yorkers not only with their physical environment by bringing attention to their surroundings, but additionally to focus their thoughts on the freedom they have to express themselves at will.

The beginning...

So I've been thinking a lot about art criticism and about artist statements and about the age old question: what is art?  And I was thinking about how every time I write about any of these things, my views change- even if just slightly- that what art is or what I am making or why I am making it or my view on other works is not static but rather constantly changing.  And part of it has to do with my mental state or my atmosphere or what i am experiencing at the moment.  it also has to do with my growing knowledge of the history of art works, of what has come before and after a certain piece of art and learning about what other people have to say about their work or about others' work.  So I sort of plan on writing about all of this stuff and re-writing about it- so that there is sort of a documented history of my progression and how my views on stuff change.  And I'm sure it will change.  I plan on putting some of my work up here at some point; I am sure I will end up talking about relationships and sex cause I just can't help it (and cause I think it all relates).  And quotes- I'll quote a bunch.

And why the internet?  Why not put it in a journal?  

For a couple reasons: 

1. the same reason i don't make enough art- because I'm sort of an attention whore and I like to create for others and maybe if I write in a public space I will be more likely to write

2- I hope to create a bit of dialogue.  I encourage response and rebuttal and conversation via the interwebs

3- I lose stuff- notebooks, computers, pieces of paper...I will never lose the internet- until 2012 or something at least.  

4- I want to start a practice.  I think I'm good at this stuff and why not put it out in the world?

Thanks for reading.  Keep reding and add your thoughts.  One whole bullet point gets lost if I don't hear from you.

mad love,

Bobia