Red Man, Green Man, 1979
George Clark
Kaapstad, 1940
led light, metal
This multimedia art work was originally set as a social experiment. We spectators see a pole on either side of a difficult crossing. On each pole, either a red man or a green man. George Clark activates an interaction with the spectators with the addition of a button to each pole. Clark is playfully making a statement about illusion of control. The visitors think they can control the red man. The red man is a thief of time. his bold red standstill triggers a need for people to see the freedom fighting hero, Green Man. Green man is moses parting the red sea, and we are his people. But! the attached button is inactive, and I stress that point; THE BUTTON IS INACTIVE.