 Patronage II (1996-1998)
Old painting, computer, decadent frame;
18x16x3"; 10lbs.
Status: available
Patronage is the second in a series of sculptures which attempt to maintain a financial
relationship between the artist and the sculpture's owner. Patronage is composed of
an LCD text display screen, computer and clock circuitry within an ornate frame. The
sculpture emulates a certificate of appreciation for its owners ongoing support of the
artist's work, by displaying the message "_owner's name_, patron of the arts.
Providing an ongoing commitment to the work of this struggling conceptual artist."
This acknowledgement message is displayed for one year, after which the piece displays
instead a message prompting the owner to renew their commitment. The owner has
thirty days to buy from the artist a code which, when input to the sculpture using a small
button, will reset it for another year. If the financial commitment is not renewed,
the piece switches to the following message: "_owner's name_ has abandoned their
commitment to the arts by failing to continue the promised support for the work of this
struggling conceptual artist."
With the original Patronage piece, it was found that the owner's found this state
amusing, and in fact preferred it over maintaining the project as intended.
Patronage II addresses this possible circumstance with an insistent beeping, which gets
louder and louder as the months go by. Finally, the owners will have no choice but
to participate, or unplug the sculpture.
Patronage II is wall hung using two keyholes and requires 120v.
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