A pop-up newsstand in Grand Army Plaza from September 17-25, 2016 featuring the work on 100 female-identifying artists from 12 different countries.
Not for Sale is an art installation that replaces the content of a traditional newsstand with art objects created by female identifying artists. The newsstand will be run by the artists creating the pieces. Each object is available to the public but it cannot be bought. Guests will have to ask the creating artists for their object and then must engage in a conversation where they will be forced to articulate their desires. The artists can then grant their request, ask them to come back, or reject them. Not everyone will leave our newsstand satisfied. We hope to replace the mark of supply and demand with a system of connection and consent.
By taking control of the newsstand we begin to create a space designed by and for women. By replacing magazines filled with unrealistic expectations of society and from the commodification of women’s bodies and sexuality for sales and instead create one of empowerment. The artists working the newsstand can say no. We are challenging capitalism, asking for consent, and building a more intimate and understanding environment.
In our modern world it is easy to isolate oneself inside the comfortable assumption that we can have access to whatever we want, whenever we want it. It is easy for us to avoid situations where we must be vulnerable and open. It is easy to assume consent rather than to ask for it. We hope the guests at our newsstand will approach these subjects that are hard to talk about, will leave having a better understanding of our artists and their work, and that they will share that knowledge and openness with others.
You can read more about the project at Girl on Girl Collective here.