#mierleladermanukeles

[mtaartsdesign]

An Artist Continues Her Applause for Essential Workers

Mierle Laderman Ukeles is known for shaking the hand of every employee in the Department of Sanitation. Her latest work may be less tactile, but it is no less heartfelt.

[mtaartsdesign]

MTA Arts & Design, Queens Museum and Times Square, New York City are excited to announce our collaboration on a new three-part public art initiative by artist #MierleLadermanUkeles, which will be on view across digital displays throughout the MTA subway and rail system, on the large-scale digital billboard at 20 Times Square and on the facade of the Queens Museum facing Grand Central Parkway. “For —–> forever…” is both a response to the pandemic and a continuation of Ukeles’ long-standing dedication to honoring the unending labor of New York City’s public service workers through her artistic practice. The message is direct and personal, written in the artist’s hand. It is framed before and after with vibrant swelling colors from the language of protection from danger that signal: ‘the person wearing these colors is precious-take care!’ The artwork is viewable throughout a network of locations designed to reach New York City’s public service workers - from transit and sanitation workers to essential workers continuing their daily commute. “For —–> forever…” aims to commemorate the efforts and undertakings of public service workers, specifically during the last few months. “For —–> forever…” is both a response to the pandemic and a continuation of Ukeles’ long-standing dedication to honoring the unending labor of New York City’s public service workers through her artistic practice. The message, written in the artist’s hand, is viewable throughout a network of locations designed to reach New York City’s public service workers - from transit and sanitation workers in Times Square to essential workers continuing their daily commute. “For —–> forever…”aims to commemorate the efforts and undertakings of public service workers, specifically during the last few months. #ForForever has been made possible with the support of OUTFRONT Media USA and the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation. Special thanks to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and Panny Chayapumh for her design work across the three sites. 📸Marc Hermann, Ian Douglas, Hai Zhang.

[anabovegroundculture]

[asalvadorsala]

Washing/Tracks/Maintenance: Outside, 1973 #MierleLadermanUkeles

[hemanchong]

#After the #revolution, #who's #going to #pick #up the #garbage on #Monday #morning? #MierleLadermanUkeles #Casco #Utrecht #Sanitation #MaintenanceArtManifesto (at Casco)

[letmypeopleshow]

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Ingenious use of NYC panorama: tiny lights map route of #MierleUkeles' 11-month "Touch Sanitation Performance" in 1979-80. Ukeles, artist-in-residence of the city's Sanitation department, shook hands with all 8,500 Sanitation workers while they were on the job. "Thank you for keeping New York City alive," she said to each one. Time-lapse view @queensmuseum #MierleLadermanUkeles #TouchSanitation #QueensMuseum (at Queens Museum)

[christenclifford]

Photos in front of the mirrored truck! Such a great mix at the opening- so many female artists and sanitation workers - who cleans up after the revolution? #mierleladermanukeles dedication to this work, in #touchsanitation she said #thankyouforsavingthecityofnewyork to 8,500 workers - she worked for 40 years on these projects- remember that people die in cities with poor sanitation - and all long before #artassocialpractice became a thing - so inspiring and beautifully installed on entire ground floor of @queensmuseum I will be back for the #peacetable talks!

[christenclifford]

#touchsanitation #thankyouforsavingthecityofnewyork #maintenanceart @queensmuseum Overheard at #mierleladermanukeles "I couldn't do that." "Yes you could." "No I couldn't, all those men. I can't stand men."