Dear Prospect Park Zoo Public Relations:
I am an artist residing in New York City whose goal is to create conceptual artworks; works that disregard stereotypical art mediums so as to focus attention on the idea rather than materiality. My request is directed to you because I believe you are the most appropriate of contacts listed on the Prospect Park Zoo Contact website to field my inquiry.
I noticed that of all New York City-based zoos Prospect Park is the only one to have a kangaroo, specifically the Western Gray Kangaroo. In short: I propose that any current unnamed baby or adult kangaroos or one future kangaroo, born in or brought to the Prospect Park Zoo, be officially named “Joey Syta”, which is my name.
I am unfamiliar with the naming process of animals that make their way into zoos but figured that my name is especially appropriate on a literal level and also a metaphorical, arguably spiritual level, based on the following reasoning: When naming someone (human, animal) or something (object, artwork) automatic subjective associations are created by the interpreter and projected onto that named thing. By naming a kangaroo “Joey Syta”, and in doing so realizing an artwork, the kangaroo would become me and in a way I would become a kangaroo and the zoo would subsequently transform into an art venue. This transference of the self could be interpreted as a premature reincarnation of sorts while also satisfying my goal as an artist to translate everyday or commonplace activities and environments into art-making and viewing environs.
As far as I envision my project should not actually interrupt or affect the life of the chosen kangaroo in any negative way. This project would only hopefully bring positive attention to the Prospect Park Zoo and possibly establish it and the Wildlife Conservation Society as organizations that attract and support the greater artistic community.
If my project was to be realized I would only ask that some sort of certificate of authenticity be provided by the zoo establishing that the name of the chosen kangaroo is in fact “Joey Syta” and that at some point after this official naming I am granted permission to take photographs and/or video of Joey Syta (the kangaroo). Please understand that this proposal is completely serious although I am conscious of the elements of absurdity and humor that possibly arise in interpreting such a proposal.
I greatly look forward to your response. If you believe that someone else working within the Prospect Park Zoo or Wildlife Conservation Society is better suited to respond to this proposal I would greatly appreciate if you forwarded our correspondence to any and all appropriate parties. Here is a link to my website that documents some of my completed works: http://joeysyta.com/
Thank you and hope to hear back from you soon.
jbbartram-illu
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