The Ethics of Engagement

"In the context of participative observation as a form of collaboration, Swiss-born Olaf Breuning would appear keen to exploit the differences between ethnographic authority and artistic authorship whilst simultaneously blurring the lines between humour and forms of exploitation" (Downey, 597). This is interesting to me because there is a fine line between humor, self-depreciation, and depression. Authority and authorship are also very interesting, drawing the comparison between what we create and what we can be told to do. 

"Breuning could, if he was so inclined, nevertheless argue (pace Sierra) that such a work, far from being exploitative, represents and draws attention to the systems within which individuals are exploited" (Downey, 597). This is really important because bringing awareness to individuals who are being exploited explains situations to those who are not in that position. 

"However, the collaborative aspect of Home, the manner in which it co-opts communities such as the children who trawl a dump in some unnamed city in Ghana, then (literally) throws money at them, and then has them pose for a photograph (which can in turn be purchased through Metro Pictures in New York), calls for an ethics of engagement that would see a form of ethico-political praxis emerging in this work rather than a restatement of the obvious" (Downey, 598). This is cool because it shows how art can be helpful, even in smaller situations. 

I would ask if art has to help the community, what he believes art's role in society is and how we as artists can continue to improve on engaging the community. 

Communities are filled with different people and before putting art into a space, one must make sure the location is right and the art is politically correct, just as basics. The community input with the art is so important if it's art made for the community, and art isn't always what we define it to be. 

La Paloma's about serving the community and creating a safe space, while also helping the economy of the neighborhood as the restaurants are family-owned businesses. It was created to help the community, versus other projects that end up helping the community because of the work that's done.