The photos above and below are of a small-scale "pre-enactment" model of the project.
The photos above and below are of a small-scale "pre-enactment" model of the project. |
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The Salt Market: AnEnergy Exchange The Salt Market is an upcoming series of performances and multi-media installation that incorporates video, electronics, sculpture and science around the topics of work and power -- scheduled for September 2010. Historically, national wealth and power have been derived from the control of labor and, before oil, the control of salt (examples are ancient China, the Roman Empire, the English Empire, etc.). Labor creates both products (goods and services) and by-products (salt in the form of human sweat). Beginning from a desire to make a visible relationship amongst labor, value and power, The Salt Market examines this by-product of labor. The Salt Market performances take place in a portable shop and laboratory that sells a variety of unusual “products” derived from sweat. In The Salt Market, sweat is used as a metaphor for labor and as an object of desire. Motifs from alchemy, science and traveling salesman caravans are employed to create an engaging point for exchange and discussion. Taking the form of a bicycle-powered caravan, The Salt Market is pedaled and powered by two “laborers”. Rubber tubes and bike activated pumps harvest the sweat from the laborers as the caravan is driven about. The tubes are also external décor of the caravan, creating designs inspired by snake-oil wagons. Inside, a salesperson-scientist converts the sweat into valuable goods: table salt and energy (in the form of sweat-based batteries). These “products” are displayed on shelves within the carriage - the glass containers contain the table salt and liquid batteries. The bicycles may also generate the power needed for the lights on and in the caravan. The Salt Market will make stops in Syracuse (once called Salt City) and local fairs, selling its goods and engaging in discussions. A culminating video edited from footage shot during the performances will be screened at the Red House. |
