Figure 3: A, Bee, C

Debate:

While patronizing the local grocery store, I stumbled across this new sweet debate.  Why is honey that is the same brand, the same type or quality, the same size (12 oz.) but a different shape $2 more expensive than its friends?

Figure A ($2 more)

Figure B (Bear Shape, $2 less than A)

Figure C (Table Server $2 less than A)

Sam (Theatre Arts):

It seems clear that Figure A is the sort that has delusions of grandeur.  I would assume Figure A to have grown up in an affluent household and society (perhaps some pageants or a trust fund?). Or more likely they aspire to achieve that level of social hierarchy, especially since they have the same qualities that Figures B & C contain just a different outer shell.  Could this be a connection across the divide showing that emotionally we all start at the same place and that regardless of our outer appearance we contain the same inner qualities as our contemporaries?  This appears to be a divide between social classes.

On the other hand, Figure A is more likely a charlatan with a flashy outer appearance trying to suck in those who are oblivious to the inner qualities but only looking on the outside.  Figures B & C should be wary of those hiding in plain sight.

But mostly, I would like to discuss the large bear not discussed to the right of Figure B.  This poor soul seems to be a wallflower.  No one discusses him and he appears to be an afterthought.  Should we then feel sorry for this lone wolf that even Figures B & C disregard? What does this say of their character that while feeling lesser than Figure A they then in turn create a sad panda right on the sidelines? This entire debate seems a lesson for the audience in looking for the inner and not disregarding those despite their outer appearance.  We need to remember that regardless of social standing, economics or beauty we all contain that same fluid that makes us gel as a society. 

Jenbo (Art History):

Soon to be updated.


Group Discussion: As always we would love to hear from you in the comments area on your ideas on this debate.  Please add where your perspective for this debate stems from. (i.e. Degree Emphasis, Belief System, Occupation, Average Joe Opinion, Spiritual Intervention, Fondness for Disneyland, whatever you've got, we'll take.)

Figure 2: The Lone Wall

Debate:
Why is only one wall being built without the other three?

Figure A Figure B

Sam (Theatre Arts):
Clearly Figure B has grandiose plans for itself. Perhaps even a God complex. You will notice that Figure A has no problems connecting with its community members to create a strong foundation of unity. Why must Figure B feel compelled to stand alone on this issue?

It should be noted perhaps that Figure B is not exactly alone, in that it is standing strong with the support of the building next door along with the pulley system to the left of Figure B. Perhaps this has a greater meaning for Figure B, in that they can only feel connected and strong if it appears they stand alone, when in actuality they are only building off the other community members nearby.

One could speculate that Figure B has delusions of grander plans; mayhap they wish to run for office thereby feeling the need to seclude themselves from the rest of the community while still showing small connections that tie it to other structures. Is the other building maybe a backer for this politician? Does there really need to be a disconnect for Figure B from the rest of society? Or perhaps while growing up Figure B was unable to connect with the other support structures in society and therefore was forced to rely on outside sources to feel connected, almost as if watching from the outside and never being able to be friends with the other pillars in the community. (The last wall picked for the building; could this be why it wishes to stand strong as the first wall now?)

The real question is: is this a tyrant wanting to lord itself above others by building itself up on the backbone of others? Or is it simply a misunderstood entity, pulling at whatever ties it can to connect with a society that has left it behind? Tyrant vs. Underdog? You as the audience must decide.

Jenbo (Art History):
Industrial Art is often misunderstood by the layperson because of its use of materials such as wood and steel, and in some cases -- like Figure B -- both. One might think that in constructing a building, the walls should simply be attached to the building until it is finished, but that's because the person is letting his or her preconceived notion of "architecture" cloud his or her mind. A person must remember that each piece of material has its own identity and purpose in the greater scheme of "building," and when construction worker simply adheres one piece to the next, that lone walls loses its identity. I think that in this case, the workers have chosen to spotlight one part of the building to shout to the rooftops, "Remember! Remember that the building is as only as strong as the sum of its parts!"

Figure 1: The Office Fridge

Problem:
The ice has taken over, because of this the perishables on lower shelves are no longer getting the appropriate amount of cold to keep them cool. As a result, Jenbo's yogurt went bad.

Figure 1

Analysis of Problem, Possible Fixes:

Sam (Theatre Arts):

It's clear the ice feels isolated. It's so far above all the other foods that it doesn't feel included. It probably also often feels like it has to keep hold of its emotions, thus the need to accumulate the ice. This in turn causes a cycle that only perpetuates itself. A constant disconnect probably makes the ice feel like the last kid always picked for the soccer team, or if that continues it probably never even gets picked at all. This makes the ice very sad and therefore want to keep a lock down on its emotions and thus not allowing it to want to share the cold with the remainder of the fridge. I would guess that the ice has felt this way for quite some time since there is such a strong build up around its heart (the ice tray). Perhaps if the other foods could find a way to share their joy, the salsa could create a festive air, while the pizza could warm up the party. However, it appears that without these things happening the only course left for the ice is to continue to pull the moisture from the other foods and therefore feel vindicated that it has stolen from them that which might make them feel peppy and happy. This ice clearly has some serious "emotional" blocks.

Perhaps if the foods can learn to appreciate each others differences, share their goodness, and melt the heart of the ice then they would all be able to convene together as one happy unit.  However, more than likely the pattern will continue as the ones who enjoy more time in the spotlight will consistently continue to outshine those left in the cold and as such those in the cold will continue to freeze their hearts to others.

Jenbo (Art History):

The ice is obviously making a commentary on white collar employment in the 21st century. The Hot Pockets sit at the top of the food hierarchy, indicating that people replaced nutrition with convenience. See how the pudding cups on the bottom are turned over, representing childhood joys lost in the drive to make a paycheck. The Whole Foods salad dressing lays alone, with no produce to cover, as people choose to slave in front of their computer during the lunch hour instead of making a trip to buy some lettuce.

By strangling the cooling element, the ice is forcing the viewer to step away from the office fridge at the noon time hour. You can almost hear its attempts to reach out and grab the worker by the shoulders, shouting, "Look! Throw away your perishables - your yogurt is melted, you have no reason to be here! Step out of your office and see the sunlight! Go out and LIVE!"

It seems the only fix is to fix ourselves.