Daedalus Howell & Kary Hess | Multimedia Installation & Performance | 2017
‘Airport Bar’ Conceptual Art Experience Flouted Trump’s Travel Ban with Drinks & Drollity
“Airport Bar invites the public to ‘acknowledge what it means to be trapped in the bureaucratic purgatory of international travel in the only place where humanity still feels as one when traveling,’ with drinks and whimsical fun.”
Charlie Swanson, Arts Editor, North Bay Bohemian
“Protest takes many forms and creating a context to engage with an international issue in a symbolic social environment is our way of addressing this issue,” says Kary Hess.
In light of President Trump’s recent attempt to implement a “travel ban,” conceptual artists Daedalus Howell and Kary Hess hosted “Airport Bar,” a participatory public performance that invited the public to acknowledge what it means to be trapped in the bureaucratic purgatory of international travel in the only place where humanity still feels as one when traveling — the airport bar.
Staged February 24, 2017, at La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge in Petaluma, CA, the overcapacity event offered collectible “luggage tags,” and a “visa” which was canceled at the event upon guests’ arrival. Participants brought their own baggage, filled with over 100 pounds of canned goods, which were donated to Petaluma’s Committee on the Shelterless (COTS). Pre-printed letters to Rep. Jared Huffman (US congressman serving California’s 2nd district) decrying the travel ban were also available to be signed by event-goers.
“This was a productive way small town artists like ourselves could lend a local voice to the chorus of outrage,” says Howell. “And enjoy a glass of local wine with your comrades in the meantime. It was quite a hit and we heartily encourage other creative people to stage their own Airport Bar events.”
To host your own Airport Bar event, download our free Starter Kit, which includes instructions, printable “Visas” and “luggage tags,” logo, and a letter-to-Congress template in a handy zip folder.
A big special thanks to everyone who participated in the Airport Bar event, Friday, February 24, 2017. It was a smash and we’re grateful for everyone who shared their conscience and canned goods! Special thanks to La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge proprietor Sahar Gharai who generously provided her venue for the event! – DH & KH
