The Trickster Project

The Trickster Project was my least favorite exhibit at the Foreman Gallery since I have been attending Hartwick. I didn’t understand how it was considered art. Also, Duane McDiarmid, the artist didn’t have anything artistic about his project, aside from the photographs that other people submitted. He said he only went to Walmart and bought material from the crafts section. McDiamid, himself, lacked professionalism, especially when explaining his piece. He talked for over an hour straight about himself, and never asked if anyone had questions. His “artwork” reminded me of a scrap metal from the dump and a handful of old t-shirts from the Salvation Army. I generally have appreciation for one’s creativity, but he didn’t even make his own ice cream. Everything from his piece was bought from the store or borrowed from students and faculty at Hartwick. He also said the ice cream was supposed to throw people off on their long journeys because they will want ice cream. First of all, the hikers are foolish for not knowing to carry water, especially in hot area. The only theme I could see from the project is the culture’s reliance on technology. Perhaps that was his only point he was trying to get it across, but he could have saved a lot of time proving his point some other way.During the shows, I always wonder how much Hartwick pays these artists to pay for their work. I understand comedians and bands that generally come are paid more than a year’s worth of tuition. As a paying student, I really hope Hartwick didn’t help McDiarmid fund too much of his artwork