Shannon Finnegan
2020. Baltic birch, poplar wood, plastic laminate, 73.5 x 27 x 35.5 inches.
Commissioned for Lone Proponent of Wall-to-Wall Carpet at Carleton University Art Gallery. Fabrication by Walter Zanetti, Anthony Dewar, Paul Durocher, School of Industrial Design, and Brant Lucuik, Azrieli School of Architecture, of Carleton University.
This bench is one of many in an evolving series, each with a different comment emblazoned across the bench back and seat in Finnegan’s distinctive handwriting. The benches are painted blue and feature text such as “this exhibition has asked me to stand for too long. Sit if you agree.” Arranging these benches into a seating area, a space is created so visitors may sit, encouraging respite as part of gallery going.
Link to Shannon Finnegan’s other work in #CripRitual:
Written Image Description:
A bright blue bench with hand-lettered text that reads, “This exhibition has asked me to stand for too long. Sit if you agree.”
Shannon Finnegan Describing the Installation
Audio Clip:
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Shannon Finnegan and I have two pieces in Crip Ritual. The first one is a bench. It seats maybe two, or three, or maybe four people. And it’s a bright blue color, and it has handwritten text across it that says, “Museum visits are hard on my body. Rest here if you agree.”
Written Image Description:
Gallery view. A wooden bench painted blue with white texts which says ‘Museum visits are hard on my body. Rest here if you agree’.
Written Image Description:
Gallery view of an artwork by Shannon Finnegan. A wooden bench painted blue with white texts which says ‘Museum visits are hard on my body. Rest here if you agree’ is in the centre of the room. On the left side of the room is a white wall with various colourful canvases hung up horizontally. Behind the bench is a pink and white wall with various colourful garments, and a TV screen pinned to it. On the right side of the room is a white wall with various pictures hung up.
Shannon Finnegan’s Website: shannonfinnegan.com
Shannon Finnegan’s Twitter and Instagram: @shanfinnegan
#CripRitual 