This lecture by John Freyers was extremely different from the ones we have experienced so far. I think it is because Freyers' approach was unconventional and more of a conversation than a formal presentation. John Freyer is an artist, author, educator, and MLWGS parent. He earned his BA from Hamilton College and MA / MFA from University of Iowa. He is currently an Associate Professor of Cross Disciplinary Media at VCU's School of the Arts. Since the spring of 2018, Freyer has been a Tate Exchange Associate - the first every from the United States. His work is classified as social practice art, which Freyer describes as a form of "conceptual - based art incorporating works that involve different populations in communities." The central tenet of his ouevre is the inclusion of "accidental audiences" in galleries, museums, and public spaces. His research practice involves how conversation and storytelling, when paired with the circulation of everyday objects, enrich social ties between individuals and groups. Specifically, these tangibles are commodities, fetishes, and tokens. Freyer asserted that he generally classifies contemporary art as elusive to the general public because of its eclectic connotation. Therefore, he overcomes this barrier by naming his projects exactly as they are; his performance art project and award - winning novel All My Life for Sale followed his journey around the world as he searched for the new owners of his worldly possessions that he had sold on eBay. As an example of "audience participation," Freyer described how one woman gave his baseball cap back to him, saying that it was her own contribution to his project - even though she had already paid for the item. This small act of 'giving back' epitomizes the effect Freyer's research and experiments has on people by forcing them to follow their values when presented with an unusual situation.
While Freyer's programs are not traditional forms of art, the process of designing such extensive and empowering projects is an art form in itself. The location of Freyer's demonstrations becomes his canvas, the people his materials of choice, and the conversation and connections that he stimulate are the medium. Each individual 'exhibition' of Freyer's work is just another addition to the massive collage of trust, support, and optimistic he has fostered. There is no artwork more beautiful, colorful, or enriching than that of societal enlightenment.
Additional Resources: fiftyfifty.country/ m.richmondfreepress.com/news/2018/mar/16/personality-john-d-freyer/ www.temporama.com/ arts.vcu.edu/photofilm/people/john-freyer/
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