Sheryl Oring Artist Talk

James Davidson

            On March 2, I went to see Sheryl Oring talk about her projects that she was working on. She mainly talked about Writers Block and I wish to say.  She also had a book that she was selling at the talk. Her art is photography, performance, and interactive. She likes for her art to mean something, to be socially engaging, about things that really matter to her.

            The earlier project, Writers Block confronts the subject of censorship it was conceived in Germany near at the site were books were burned by the Nazis in the days before World War Two, which is the most destructive war in history. The site has a monument which is a sculpture of empty book shelves that can be observed through a window underground. She felt that she should do something as well. So she decide to make a sculpture of typewriters  from the 1920s’ and 30s’  trapped in steel cages made from construction steel to represent the writers who were censored. The event was supported by numerous writers and people then went on tour.

            The project I wish to say is about the need for people to be heard by our leaders. So she gathered actors who would dress like secretaries and then they would type out what people wanted to say. These writings would be used in installments and then mailed to the politicians that were supposed to be representing the people. This is an on going project which travels from city to city in the United States. A list of cities, exhibits and events with Sheryl is avaible on her website.

            I found her talk interesting, it is important for artist to use art to communicate issues that matter to humanity. To help get the message of the people out, inform and otherwise let our leaders know that we are hear. I took from her talk to make art matter and art that matters.