Love Podium

Dan Peterman

Dan Peterman’s practice explores the intersection of art and ecology, frequently focusing on networks of recycled and discarded materials that function interchangeably as stockpiles, sculpture, functional objects, and critiques of environmental oversight and neglect. Since the 1990’s Peterman’s work is most often engaged in land-based models of production for cultural activism and urban placemaking. Love Podium is a usable platform, its functionality left in the hands of those who engage it functions as a space for productive, open dialogues with the speakers (in surprisingly intimate proximity to one another) each having their own place from which to make their remarks in turn. It also functions as a space for potential ideological chaos; an environment in which the speakers may be tempted to shout over one another, each speaking to their physically opposing audiences. With this work, Peterman underscores the duality inherent in a truly public forum, and reminds viewers of the social responsibility that comes with using one’s voice.

Dan Peterman’s practice explores the intersection of art and ecology, frequently focusing on networks of recycled and discarded materials that function interchangeably as stockpiles, sculpture, functional objects, and critiques of environmental oversight and neglect. Since the 1990’s Peterman’s work is most often engaged in land-based models of production for cultural activism and urban placemaking. Love Podium is a usable platform, its functionality left in the hands of those who engage it functions as a space for productive, open dialogues with the speakers (in surprisingly intimate proximity to one another) each having their own place from which to make their remarks in turn. It also functions as a space for potential ideological chaos; an environment in which the speakers may be tempted to shout over one another, each speaking to their physically opposing audiences. With this work, Peterman underscores the duality inherent in a truly public forum, and reminds viewers of the social responsibility that comes with using one’s voice.

Dan Peterman’s practice explores the intersection of art and ecology, frequently focusing on networks of recycled and discarded materials that function interchangeably as stockpiles, sculpture, functional objects, and critiques of environmental oversight and neglect. Since the 1990’s Peterman’s work is most often engaged in land-based models of production for cultural activism and urban placemaking. Love Podium is a usable platform, its functionality left in the hands of those who engage it functions as a space for productive, open dialogues with the speakers (in surprisingly intimate proximity to one another) each having their own place from which to make their remarks in turn. It also functions as a space for potential ideological chaos; an environment in which the speakers may be tempted to shout over one another, each speaking to their physically opposing audiences. With this work, Peterman underscores the duality inherent in a truly public forum, and reminds viewers of the social responsibility that comes with using one’s voice.

Dan Peterman

Love Podium,

2006

Post-consumer plastic

Post-consumer plastic

60 x 71 x 72 inches

Exhibition

there is this We

Site

Wisconsin Center District 400 W Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203

Courtesy of the artist.

THANK YOU

to our supporters and members

to our supporters and members

to our supporters and members