Make Capitalism Work For Me!

Make Capitalism Work For Me!

Proposed art project seeks to open conversation about American capitalism

American artists always have the looming presence of capitalism over their shoulders. Art is not a product to be sold, and yet one needs to engage in some kind of monetary exchange in order to survive within a money system. Many artists seek to address the problems of living within a capitalistic society in their artwork, to place elements of consumerism in new lights, to get people talking. Artist Steve Lambert is attempting to do just that with his latest project, entitled "Make Capitalism Work For Me!"

The public art project will consist of a big flat bed truck with a lit sign declaring "Capitalism works for me!" Observers will then get to become participants in the project by voting true or false on the statement. If capitalism is alright by you, you push the true button. If it's failed to deliver in quite the ways it's promised, you can vote false. The truck will make appearances in several cities throughout the United States, and all data from the truck's encounters with the public will be recorded and published. 

In his artist's statement, Lambert brings up the point that we've become increasingly uncomfortable discussing capitalism at all in the present state of our country. It seems that whenever the word comes up, it brings with it extremists on either side of the political spectrum. You've got the libertarians and objectivists singing its praises to high heaven on the one side. On the other, people who consider the word "communist" to be a compliment discuss doing away with the institution of money altogether. Put these kinds of people in a room with each other and it's bound to get ugly. Whether you're on the liberal or conservative side of things, or, like most people, somewhere in the middle, the word for our country's system of economy drags up a lot of feelings. 

So how do we breach the subject in a productive way? Lambert merely asks people to decide whether capitalism has worked out okay for them. The cheery design of the sign brings a side of humor to the issue. It's not meant to be aggressive, not meant to insist that capitalism should or shouldn't work for people. It's just a question written in carnival lights. It also puts the issue on a personal level. People aren't asked if capitalism is the ideal way of being, but rather if it's been a successful endeavor for them individually. Putting aside what you think is good for people as a whole, how has the American dream been working out for you? 

Speaking of money, Lambert is currently seeking funding for the project. He's more interested in gathering large numbers of supporters than large numbers of dollars, although the truck and materials will need to be covered somehow. Most importantly, he wants people to back him in his journey to get people talking about American capitalism. You can pledge just one dollar to the project; more, if you'd like, but even a small gesture of support will help the project along its way. More information about the project and pledging to it is available on Kickstarter