Free dinners to free citizenship

From In the Making, I enjoyed reading about Rikrit Tiravanija because I vaguely remember an artist who made a personal space within a gallery. From what I remember, the artist was interacting with the viewers and engaging in dialogue. The concept of free food, beds and music studios is interesting because I think these services should be free to the general public. Not only for those down on their luck, but also to create an inviting atmosphere and to make friends among strangers.

Although Tiravanija works appear endearing, I cannot help comparing him to other performance artists like Vito Acconci and his controversial work, Seedbed. Is Tiravanija simply creating a quaint atmosphere? Or is he being too passive by waiting for his audience to visit rather to reach out beyond the confines of a gallery space? I am brought to this questioning based on the text, which reads: "he capitalizes on the liberty granted to artists to be non-conformists and explore zones outside the normal matrix of art and culture." By continuing to read the text, I felt relieved with the 1996 piece in the forest with the bicycle and tableware.

I felt as though the piles of leftover food were effective and played on the viewer's perception of sight and smell. By reading his interview responses, it is almost like the artist randomly chooses the performance pieces, similar to a light's on-off switch. I am curious to this approach and question whether it is conceptual enough. Besides verbal dialogue and providing some Thai food, I don't feel like the artist "owns" the piece enough. Maybe I would suggest he create some of the pieces used or that he uses items he has collected through his travels? Just a thought.

With the chapter on immigration and the Chicano culture, The Art of Protest discusses the community formed from "la familia." Personally, I see the culture as hardworking and misunderstood. I know that there are legalities behind everything, but I feel as though Mexicans have done a lot for our country despite being a legal citizen or not. I keep on flash backing to moments on the news when I see Cubans floating on rafts in hope of obtaining a better opportunity.

For a country that provides so much and attempts to embrace all, I feel like immigration is a tough issue. Many Hispanics take on jobs that many Americans choose not to do, and they do it well. Now, I find that endearing. There should a process for illegal immigrants to obtain citizenship and residency in the U.S. by stating their benefit (economic career) to the country and to pledge allegiance like other citizens do. Why push out people? I mean, we all came from somewhere a long time ago.

This is a bad joke I heard awhile ago but I think it may have been from Jay Leno:
"In order to stop illegal immigrants from coming in, President Bush wants to build a 370-mile wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Do you know who is going to build it? The Mexicans."