Art and the Homeless

How is Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty like a homeless person? -both are unhoused . The iconic monument to the earthworks art movement has spurred the conscience of culture critics since its inception. Like an in-grown hair, it irritates, and won't go away. It both cannot be ignored, and it cannot be buffed. If it ever could be said that pictures don't do justice, it could be said about Smithson's Spiral Jetty. Images abound. If you've seen one you've seen them all. Visualization is better left to the imagination, as Smithson intended. Earth art was a genre of Conceptual art. It was art of the mind. That was before reactionary trends in the art market, that is, and a more pragmatic approach to art-as-commodity. Seeing Spiral Jetty in-person is likewise optional. Dedicated admirers make the pilgrimage. It is an adventure, itself. Their reflections on the experience scarcely conceal disappointment. Again, that is as Smithson intended. It was always a notion—an idea...

What do I say now, after the Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson? My opinion about “what to do with the homeless” remains the same as before. My sympathies are as much with the homeless as ever. The use of quotation marks refers to the partisan rhetoric over the issue, which shall be addressed, separately. Put me down as empathizing with the homeless -as always. It is a matter of heart, for me, not satisfaction. Praise the Supreme Court! While its ruling in Grants defines homelessness as a state-of-being, or (colloquially), as a "status," it grants that status is not a criminal offense. To speak plainly: to be homeless is not a crime. Homelessness is an Existential matter, not a legal status. The Court also hears that the fear of the plaintiffs was that the status of homelessness might become repression. A fallacy. The Supreme Court decision only affirms the power of local courts to enforce lawful statutes—or codes—enacted by democratically elected legisl...

(continued) page 10/19 May 8 Tiffany Hill artwork is nicely drawn and color shades bring out the masterpiece and true light I will be returning soon May 9 Quincy Hughes May 10 Erica- Brian great art and happy you can help a needed and meaningful cause (heart symbol)  Jazmin thank you for shining a light on our community members who are too often ignored the fight to end homelessness starts with awareness and solidarity (heart symbol)   Angela artists have the power to spotlight the many problems troubling our society thank you for contributing to shining a light on the unhoused  May 12 I love your paintings Brian Higgins they look like Bob Ross Leo 8 years old  page 11/19 May 13 Ari Kristos thank you for your paintings may Jesus Christ bless you sincerely (heart symbol) Ari Krystos  Vincent King one of the pictures is me  May 17 Jihad Williams thank you for caring about us  page 12/19 May 20 Connor hey Brian I've been homeless off and on since 17 ...

page 3/19 April 5 Farrah thank you for sharing your art  April 6 (name illegible) a statement that needs to be said   Bryan powerful imagery beautiful color love the message   Michelle I don't go to the library often when I do I always stop by the gallery as a beginner artist it is very helpful to see what the medium looks like in person thank you for making your art accessible and for free at the library it is very important for people to remember artist personal political and subjective don't worry about negative thoughts or comments reactions because they have no intention of helping supporting our positively spreading your message or anyone else's message who feels the same way people who use the library are also homeless on housed and I'm pretty sure the people who saw your are here made sure to ignore and keep their distance from them hope you find a solution you are happy with unfortunately the world forgets and ignores these things when all is right with...