Sunday, August 28, 2011

Waste of Money - John Salvest

We have a new piece of temporary art in Penn Valley Park.  Since I drive this route to and from work each day I originally thought I would show the progress of this piece.  But I will not be displaying the progress of this piece.  As I drive by each day I realize what a waste of money this project is and wonder who is paying the bill.  This piece by John Salvest contains 105 shipping containers stacked 7 high and 15 across.  Each shipping container is carried to the park on it's own semi.  This installation started with the park's sod being pulled up and fencing put on the grounds.  The shipping containers will spell out "IOU USA".  I know the price of gas is climbing again and semi's do not get great gas mileage, then there is the crane, workers, cost of shipping containers, and then the removal of all the containers and repair of the grounds.  I think if Salvest was wanting to make a statement about the economy why is he wasting so much money.  Couldn't he have found a better way to use the money, perhaps to help those in need.

I am quite fond of art and usually do not voice my opinion on my blog but this project causes my blood to boil.

9 comments:

Kalyan said...

nice capture!

cieldequimper said...

Calm down, there's no point in getting mad at these things. They will always happen.

Birdman said...

Strange one!

Sharon said...

Okay, this is just too strange.

Halcyon said...

Not only is it a waste of money, it sounds like it's going to be rather ug. Sad that they are tearing down some of nature to put up some rusty old shipping containers. What an ironic gesture!

Randy said...

I totally understand your frustration. You have to wonder who the rich person was that funded this piece. The artist probably received a grant for this piece. Some people have the money to waste and never think about others. Or they do and they just want to make people mad. Probably someone with a political motive.

RedPat said...

it doesn't make economic or ecological sense!

Amanda said...

Yes it does seem a waste of money and effort!

Jack said...

I am usually pretty broadminded about art, but I do see your point here. If you don't want to cover this project, then by golly, don't!