This is optional but I'd really like to hear what you think...
Read this article: http://nyti.ms/1oHkC8P
Write some comments for this post... this is a good chance to get a dialogue going.
Be respectful of course :)
See you all soon!
Sincerely,
Mr. Clarke
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The two Berlin artists no doubt endangered themselves during their act, but otherwise, the white flag existed as a harmless critique of society and a way to highlight the naturalistic, not nationalistic beauty of the Brooklyn bridge. Leinkauf's work primarily serves to celebrate American heritage, both in the form of the immigrants who came through New York, specifically the original architect of the bridge, a German who came to America for a better life. This leads to the theme of indirection, as specified by Leinkauf, which comments on the disparity between American realities: one that America projects, and one that exists as the reality. This disparity certainly accentuated as Leinkauf dealt with the draconian police and government reaction to his seemingly innocuous poetic act. More simply, however, the removal of the country's colors from the bridge allowed for an appreciation of the bridge itself, not the symbol of "Americanism" that many would have it represent.
ReplyDeleteAustin's well worded reply suggests that the artists were involved in "a harmless critique of society”—a valid point. However, I strongly believe that the artists engaged themselves in an illegal act of terror. Since 9-11 and various subsequent terrorist plots, most individuals become highly tuned to small differences which trigger high levels of internal panic. I believe that these German artists unknowingly or knowingly undertook a highly dangerous project which would border on creating mass terror. Although in this case the "art project" did not cause much damage, in retrospect, the damage could have been quite severe and caused widespread damage.
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