The Gift Economy project
On the morning of Tuesday, March 13th, the bike racks between Lawrence, Pacific and Allen Hall have a new addition: an assortment of bright bike seat covers have been distributed among the bikes. Against the grey skies of Oregon, these neon-colored seat covers ring loudly against their dreary background and provide commuters with both colorful cheer and comfort- a dry bike seat awaits their commute home. Simple in design, the waterproof nylon color palette is similar to that of the 1980’s color blocking in neon yellow, hot pink, hunters’ orange, and a bright royal blue. Attached to each is an embroidered tag reading “Gift Economy.”
The Gift Economy project (@gift_economy) started during an experimental sculpture class, Invisible Infrastructures, and acts as the beginning of a continued collaboration between MFA candidates Kayla Thompson and Jen Vaughn. Invisible Infrastructures focuses on the work of Mierle Laderman Ukeles and the nature of maintenance art and work that intervenes within existing systems. For Thompson and Vaughn the hundreds of handmade bicycle seat covers serve as a small gift and act of care for fellow bike commuters braving winter weather. The creative intervention and colorful flash mob of objects highlights possibilities of positivity and communal well being. Follow the collaboration or share your own on Instagram @gift_economy.