Crutch

Crutch: a multimedia installation. by Stephen Anderson & Michael Diebner , August 2001

There is a phenomenon which is pervasive throughout our current American culture. This phenomenon is comprised of a seemingly infinite array of external stimuli, which dictates to the populous, an insurmountable laundry list of problems and questions, both personal and societal, as well as presenting the "solution" to those problems and questions. From magazines and books, television and movies, radio and 'workshops', every presentable form of media is used as a soapbox from which to present to us these problems that we sometimes didn’t know we had. But, just as important as the questions, are the answers that are handed out with them. In some cases it’s free, but in most cases it comes at a cost. It is the proverbial medicine show on a continental scale.

Of course, this information in and of itself is not necessarily problematic. The danger arises when we as individuals become unquestionably accepting of these ideas, in addition to becoming dependent upon this information in order to lead our lives. It is the elimination of individual thought and self-diagnosis that is the real danger. The exercise of freewill should take precedence over the reliance upon the thoughts and actions of others.

It is our intention to visually interpret these ideas with the comparative and symbolic utilization of a "crutch". The iconographic use of the "crutch", both as a psychological and a physical support, helps to reinforce the idea that our modern society is unnecessarily reliant upon the external input of others. It is also our hope that the viewer leaves this exhibit with somewhat of a clearer understanding of the physical, economic, and psychological ramifications of relying upon this "crutch" in order to live what is considered to be a fulfilling life.

As artists, we are the conveyers of information. The language we choose will be that of a sight and sound installation. Our aim is not to become preachers upon the pulpit, even though we are aware of the fine line we are walking. In the end, it is ultimately the decision of the audience whether to follow or be followed.