ART:WORK
Performance by Alan Armstrong
Tuesday 24th March 2009
The Collection, Danes Terrace, Lincoln
ART:WORK presents a humbling approach to the notion of work, perhaps this comes naturally through the act of mopping a floor, a solitary movement often preformed before an event in marginal secrecy, giving ruse to a kept perfection. This coupled with society’s perceptions of cleaning as an undesirable entry level vocation, makes the piece appear approachable with an air of sombre stillness. Armstrong’s recreation of his morning routine captures more than monotony, the space to think that cleaning provides is evident, and in this expanse of time Armstrong conjures his artistic concepts. Looking beyond the obvious of one man with a mop the actions become increasingly expansive, realising that this time is providing a freedom for internal expression that will be explored further in the studio.
Through ART:WORK the act of mopping has become transformed not in action but in status. In no other common practice is cleaning regarded, or observed in such a way as through the performance. The once solitary occupation has become a spectacle, with an audience observing the mundane activities of mopping a floor, reading a newspaper, and drinking a cup of tea.
Armstrong makes no attempt to enlighten us to any more than what is literally occurring, but questions the very essence of an audience viewing the piece, stating himself that this very notion is odd. These actions are almost disguised by a public work force, cloaking the working environment before the central employees arrive, but here they are transformed for artistic purpose, providing a window into a personal process. The artist has somehow flipped the coin and turned the simple act of mopping full circle upon its self.
