The Prestige - One steel cage, balloons, 7' X 6' X 7'. Red carpet and flip flops.

The temptation with something simple is to add to it and do more. Yes, indeed, The Prestige is nothing more than a bunch of balloons in a cage. It can be as loud or subtle as the audience wants, but you must appreciate the brevity and efficiency with which it can make a huge statement. The materials and dimensions were inspired by the cells in Guantanamo Bay. This information is extraneous, but the political ideas expressed through the piece are inherent.

I have a reputation for creating public art, and I’ve come to see that the most successful work happens when it creates dialogue among the audience voluntarily. The Prestige will mean multiple things to different people, however, the analogies within are global. Much of the public will see it only as a lock box guarding materials for some party. That alone is a message worth noting - “the party is on hold”. Children will begin and end with the idea of incarceration. Who can deny the loss felt when a balloon string slips from the hand? Its loss is different than that of a cookie or your gloves because the balloon has been animated with spirit. Everyone finds some sentimental value in them. The balloons group together in the corner, or quietly move about depending on the breeze around the cage.

I mentioned the expression of incarceration, but also immigration since a balloon wants to fly over walls and boundaries and here it is held back, contained. There is also an undeniable sense of these being detainees.

The political and global ideas waiting to be manifest through this artwork are timely. The Prestige is not, however subject to being dated. Today we find that political understanding is de rigueur. It’s interesting what polls show are the number 1 and 2 biggest concerns among voters today.