“Capitalism Works for Me!” Interactive Sign Turns on in Times Square
September 20, 2013 | Kyle Chayka
Artist and activist Steve Lambert’s traveling piece Capitalism Works For Me!is a large illuminated sign and a voting podium. You vote “yes” or “no” on whether capitalism works for you and the results are tallied and displayed on the sign — in real time. Today, it was installed in Times Square, on Broadway between 46th & 47th Streets.
This work has been previously installed in nine other cities including Cleveland, Boston and Los Angeles, but those locations pale in comparison to the behemoth of competing signs in the commerce hot spot of Times Square. The location very much functioning as a representation of capitalism itself.
“This is the crossroads of the world,” Lambert told ANIMAL, citing that an estimated 13,000 people pass through Times Square every hour. The artist says that he has “always tried to reach everyday people in a language that they can understand. They understand signs. They understand voting.” Speaking specifically about the Times Square location choice, the artist states says, “Nothing makes more sense.”
The artist would also like to stress that this public intervention does not offer a clear and precise solution, but hopes to inspire a discussion about the possibilities of “something better.”
“Capitalism Works For Me! Truse/False”, Steve Lambert, Times Square (Broadway between 46th & 47th St.) Sept 20 from 12–5pm, Sun–Wed, Oct 6–9 from 12–7pm
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