Faculty/Staff Detail

Gretchen Herrmann, Library, served as a panelist commenting on issues related to an exhibition titled “Meta-Monumental Garage Sale” on Nov. 29 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Joined by artists Coco Fusco and Anton Vidokle, Herrmann talked about her research of more than 25 years on the U.S. garage sale and later the panelists entertained smaller breakout discussions on various topics. Martha Rosler, the artist who created this exhibit, is known for her “art of the commonplace, art that illuminates social life.” The exhibition consisted of an array of goods—including a Mercedes Benz without an engine, books, clothing, Christmas goods and intimate apparel for shoppers to buy. Many of the goods belonged to Rosler, but were largely supplemented by various donations with the intention that proceeds go to charity. Bargaining was encouraged and allowed purchasers to be photographed with their garage sale finds. The exhibition was live-streamed by several video cameras.

      Also, Herrmann contributed to a lengthy question-and-answer session concerning women, work and community in the garage sale, titled “In Conversation: Gretchen Herrmann with Martha Rosler” that started off a series of articles on garage sales and related topics in the two issues of the museum-sponsored Garage Sale Standard. Access to the issues of the newspaper, photos of purchases and more information can be found at www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2012/garagesale/