2/2
The day ended with a Whirl in Tescos. 15 participants descended on Tescos to push an empty shopping trolley around the store for an hour. Using a highly sophisticated covert surveillance technique (a camera in a bag with a hole) I set out to document the event. Dodgy footage aside we independently walked into Tescos the idea being that we would begin to find other people with empty trolleys and follow them around the store until we had a long chain. Whilst doing this we would be in a meditative state and casually browsing. After about fifteen minuets the chain had formed creating a visual spectacle down the aisles, with people say things such as ‘Are they all out on day release’ and taking a double look. There was the odd occasion when one of us accidentally cracked a smile but on the whole we were calm, especially Chris as I kept accidentally walking my trolley into the back of his heels. After thirty minuets security realised some thing odd was a foot and asked us to vacate the premises for causing obstructions to other shoppers, and not shopping properly. That’s what Buy Nothing Day is all about!
Although Anges highest figure for Whirling is 26, we were all exceptionally happy with the experience of 15 which warranted further discussion down the pub. This series of activities across three days has really bought people together in Lincoln, as they have followed the three day marathon and made connections from it, so much so that there is now in motion an Action Lincoln group that has been initiated from this, which I will be eagerly following and supporting. There is also a rumour that the challenge of beating 26 has been set, so Lincoln may see more activity to come.
MDSC were a risk to present to a Lincoln audience for a new organisation, but I am really glad that we went through with doing so, from feedback we have received people are really refreshed to see art that addresses politics and speaks its mind, that isn’t safe and cosy, and from this we have engaged a large core of people who are now instigating their own activities, I don’t think I could ask for more. Its defiantly a high to go out on for 2009, and I have loved every moment, warts and all.
See http://www.breathingplanet.net/whirl/ for information on Whirl Mart’s and http://www.ecolincs.org/ for more information on Lincolns green activities.
MDSC can be found on http://www.mydadsstripclub.com/ , and it seems like Lincolnshire maybe seeing more of them with a few offers in the pipe line from the few days activity.
Amelia 2/2
