Shopdropping (sometimes also referred to as drop-lifting) is the opposite of shoplifting. The artist alters the packaging of goods, or creates new goods, and puts the items back onto store shelves. In some cases the shopdropped works might be discovered and removed, but in others the items are still purchase-able if the barcodes and price tags are left intact.
Shopdropping aims to disrupt consumer culture with meaningful artistic interventions, whether that is through a redesign of packaging, application of stickers, or wholly new products placed on shelves, and so on. This altering of commercial imagery can provide a space for expression of utopian ideals.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS:
- To investigate the importance of context
- To explore alternatives to traditional gallery exhibition approaches
- To practice critique by judging what constitutes a successful, competent, and/or engaging utopian installation
- To articulate our own utopian visions
DIRECTIONS:
- Research and planning: You must come up with at least 5 ideas for what and how you can shopdrop. You must verbally present those ideas, along with sketches for each idea, to the class. Sketches will be collected (put your name on them).
- The class will give feedback, and based on this constructive criticism, students will select an idea to execute.
- In addition to the artwork, students will prepare an artist’s statement that will be printed and turned in on the day your project is due. Your statement should consider the following questions, but should be written in paragraph format (not a numbered question/answer format):
- What is this work about? (This is the idea, theme, message, or concept for your piece. Think of this as the thesis statement for your work.)
- Why do you want to do this work? (This is your explanation of the importance of the work and what it means to you)
- How will you do this work? What is it made of or out of? (This is how you envision the artwork happening—medium/a, actions, texts, audience/performer relationship, etc.)
- What do you want this work to do or accomplish? (This is the outcome or experience you anticipate for the work)
- How does it relate to packaging and advertising of food?
4. Make sure you thoroughly document your work with excellent photographs, and possibly video if it is possible.
5. There will be a full-class critique on the day it is due. (see schedule)
6. After completing the artwork, you will complete a self-analysis on Blackboard.
- Discuss your work in terms of the components of an artwork. (subject/form/content/context)
- How does the work engage with elements and principles of 4D design? Make sure to mention specific elements and specific principles.
- How was your project successful?
- How could the project be improved?
7. Finally, upload your documentation to our class Flickr Account
https://www.flickr.com
user: installationartutopias@yahoo.com
pass: Fall2014
GRADING CRITERIA:
- Brainstorming/Sketchs = 5 points
- Execution of the project = 5 points
- Artist Statement (How well did you answer the questions? Did you provide a printed copy?)= 5 points
- Quality of documentation and on-time upload = 5 points
- Thoughtful critique participation = 3 points
- Self-Analysis on Blackboard = 8 points