UVA’s Overlook Gallery
The Overlook at St. Gabriel’s – Maker Hall
175 Washington St., Brighton, MA
June 9 – July 29, 2024
Curated by John Quatrale
Opening Reception – Sunday June 9, 2024 2-4 pm RSVP coming
Obsolescence Call for Art
Deadline: May 17, 2024
Open to current, renewing and new members of UVA. Memberships start at $20 for one year. Complimentary for EBT, WIC, HealthConnector card holders and those who have experienced homelessness.
Complete the form located after the curator’s statement and then hit “Submit.” The Exhibit Agreement is at the end of the form.
This exhibit presents ideas and images related to the changes in technology, goods, services and even ideas. As these changes occur, obsolescence occurs. This phenomena results in waste and inefficiency. The primary reasons for items becoming outdated are related to changes to technical, functional and stylistic features. Changes may also be planned.
For this call for art, you’re being asked to think of how obsolescence has affected you personally or as part of society. The proposed art can delve into this experience or convey an aspect of obsolescence that is meaningful to you. Personal written or oral stories as well as stories embedded in the work of art will also be considered. Artists are always encouraged to use their own judgment in submitting art for this exhibit. Art may be representational or non-representational and two or three dimensional.
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Emily and Carlos Experience
This is a fictional story with two characters as they encounter obsolescence in their everyday lives. The story may help one understand the many aspects of the topic of obsolescence.
Emily and Carlos were browsing through the local market, enjoying the sights and sounds of the busy community. Emily held onto her trusty camera, while Carlos carried his record player tucked under his arm.
As they perused the market stalls, they couldn’t help but notice the abundance of shiny new gadgets and electronics being sold by vendors. “It’s amazing how quickly things become outdated,” Emily remarked, gesturing towards a display of the latest smartphones.
Carlos nodded, “Yeah, and all these new products create so much waste. It’s not just the gadgets themselves, but the packaging, shipping, and manufacturing processes that contribute to environmental degradation.”
Their conversation was interrupted by an announcement over the market’s speakers, urging shoppers to participate in the community’s upcoming electronic waste recycling drive. Emily and Carlos exchanged a knowing look, realizing that they had an opportunity to make a difference.
Determined to take action, Emily and Carlos decided to organize a community event to raise awareness about the environmental impact of obsolescence. They set up their own booth at the market, showcasing examples of repurposed electronics and sharing tips on how to extend the lifespan of gadgets through repairs and upgrades.
Their efforts caught the attention of their fellow residents and neighbors, who were eager to learn more about sustainable living practices. Inspired by Emily and Carlos’ initiative, they began to rethink their own consumption habits and started to prioritize durability and longevity when making purchasing decisions.
What can you do?