March 2009
The James A. Michener Art Museum is collecting used clothing from the public for use by sculptor Carole Frances Lung. Also known by the pseudonym ‘Frau Fiber,’ the artist will be on hand at the Museum during the monthly ‘First Friday’ event on Friday, April 3 to kick off the collection process and to discuss her forthcoming sculpture project with visitors. After April 3 and continuing through June 12, all textile donations can be deposited in a large, designated recycling bin in the Museum’s lobby during normal operating hours.
Lung will incorporate donated materials into an outdoor sculpture entitled ‘Hired Out,’ a site-specific work that draws inspiration from the Museum’s history as the location of the Bucks County Jail from 1884 to 1984.
From June 12 through July 2, an outdoor ‘loom’ mimicking the shape of a prison cell from the Bucks County Jail will be constructed, as Lung weaves the walls and roof from articles of donated clothing along with inmates’ uniforms. Upon completion, the sculpture remains on view through October 18 in the Museum’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden adjacent to the Bucks County Library Center.
“From the production of clothing to call centers,” says Lung, “companies all over the United States look to our prisons as a source of cheap labor. The prison/industrial business is a multi-billion dollar industry complete with lobbyists, trade shows and conventions. This performance/sculpture will draw attention to the complexities, dynamics and abuses of prison labor.”
Currently a Lecturer in Fashion at California State University, Los Angeles, Lung holds an MFA in Fiber and Material Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been shown in many cities in both this country and abroad including New York; Chicago; New Orleans; Los Angeles; Dublin, Ireland and Weimar, Germany.
The artist is looking for interns to help with the construction of this project. Interns should be college age art students who focus on sculpture or fiber work and are available for 15 to 20 hours during the weeks of June 12 through July 2.
Interested students should email a letter and resume by April 15 to Director of Programs at zsiokalo@michenerartmuseum.org.
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