Monday, November 24, 2008

Additional Encounters on the Third Rock (From the Sun)

I biked out to the U of R campus to see what (if anything) I could find... the most interesting thing? This parking sign, which I shall call, "The ingenious private universities produce."

From Earth Art
I challenge anyone to make logical sense of that sign. The way I interpret it, visitors, those who do not attend U of R, can park there 365/24/7. Faculty can park from 7am-9pm for 30 minute intervals, but students are prohibited from 7:30am-3pm Monday through Friday. What a strange sign!

I think this also gets at a deeper issue of instantiating claim over particular geographic areas. U of R is private, so it owns the land. Presumably, they can dictate any terms they like on their 'private property'. But what does the Earth get to say in this? Absolutely nothing! U of R decides when people can park, when U of R says so. Parking times are not arranged by say, scarcity to take weight off the Earth, or discourage people from driving and leaving vehicles where they want. Sure, it may be a bit too strong to claim the Earth should decide, but surely, things such as parking locations, times, and modes of transportation should be organized in a sensical and democratic fashion.

Back at VCU, I continued my hunt for some work. This next picture I like to call, "Caution! Beware of Falling Bricks."

From Earth Art

"Tough times, tough measures: Ladder space immediately available for rent, excellent perch and view."

From Earth Art

And lastly, I just found this funny:

"Holes demand equal rights above and below ground"

From Earth Art


From Earth Art

1 comment:

Nate Gordon said...

Haha, definitely an awesome travel log. I noticed the signs at UofR too, but none seemed that confusing, perhaps they've limited those to keep from giving too many spots away to visitors...? Also, interesting interpretations of a few of the environments you captured. I would think that Smithson would have gotten a kick out of them as well--seeing he was the type to enjoy the "substance of nature, not its looks," so says Lippard. Now all you've got to do is find the link to earth art in that video footy of that guy getting hassled in Monroe Park the other day. The injustice could be the substance, the video the medium, and we, the audience!