The Line from Madrid to Barnsley
As part of ongoing investigation into how the way we work is perceived, remunerated and legitimised this project makes connections between Madrid, where the artist is based, and Barnsley using actions of cleaning to create a basic element of art making: the line. Utilizing cleaning equipment as media she visited 22 towns, villages and cities along a line which connects Madrid to Barnsley. In the centre of these places she swept the dirt and collected a little. Through actions of rubbing and scrubbing more marks and lines have been collected and the act of cleaning also became an act of drawing.
Here the line which connects Madrid to Barnsley is drawn using the dirt collected along the way. The journey is also documented through drawings, prints and mailed dirt. Through these everyday actions we might reflect upon these shared acts of work which connect us all to the invisible professional cleaners who maintain our shared and public spaces.
As part of ongoing investigation into how the way we work is perceived, remunerated and legitimised this project makes connections between Madrid, where the artist is based, and Barnsley using actions of cleaning to create a basic element of art making: the line. Utilizing cleaning equipment as media she visited 22 towns, villages and cities along a line which connects Madrid to Barnsley. In the centre of these places she swept the dirt and collected a little. Through actions of rubbing and scrubbing more marks and lines have been collected and the act of cleaning also became an act of drawing.
Here the line which connects Madrid to Barnsley is drawn using the dirt collected along the way. The journey is also documented through drawings, prints and mailed dirt. Through these everyday actions we might reflect upon these shared acts of work which connect us all to the invisible professional cleaners who maintain our shared and public spaces.
Instructions
4. Put a little in the envelope
5. Using water and the scrubbing brush and draw a line using the dirt on the ground 4m
6. Make a print of the line using the cloth.
7. Post the envelope as near as possible to the site
- Identify a good place in the centre of the city, town or village using google maps. The space should be central and there should be a car free area of at least 10m2, also locate a post office or post box if possible. Use maps or GPS to get there.
- Take with you:
- brush and dustpan,
- Bucket
- scrubbing brush
- 4m cloth
- Stamped addressed envelope
- Bag to collect dirt
4. Put a little in the envelope
5. Using water and the scrubbing brush and draw a line using the dirt on the ground 4m
6. Make a print of the line using the cloth.
7. Post the envelope as near as possible to the site