The Institute for Infinitely Small Things
“conducts creative, participatory research that aims to temporarily transform public spaces dominated by non-public agendas. Using performance and conversation, we investigate social and political "tiny things".
These have included corporate ads, street names, and post-9/11 security terminology. The Institute markets dissent through its research reports in the form of maps, books and videos.”
The Working is the Work
The Institute of Contemporary Art, April 24, 2008
The Institute gave a performance at the ICA assuming the roles of ICA laborers in various ways.
Everything is in Order
The DeCordova Museum, June 2008
A performance on security measures.
The City Formerly Known as Cambridge
The Institute set up booths at locations in Cambridge to collect names from local residents to rename the streets, parks, and other public places in Cambridge, MA. The results were places into a new map to be sold throughout the Boston area.
Unmarked Package: A Case for Feeling Insecure
In May of 2007, the Institute traveled to Chicago to partake in Unmarked Package, an exhibition for the Pathogeographies exhibit at Gallery 400. We carried hundreds of “unmarked packages” to various neighborhoods in the city to document in a 9 minute video people’s response to the nationwide multi-million dollar “See Something, Say Something campaign.
57 Things To Do for Free in Harvard Square
The Institute was commissioned by Lumen Eclipse to create a video to display on their video screens in Harvard Square. The Institute created 57 Things To Do for Free in Harvard Square, a video showcasing the free things available.
Corporate Commands
The Institute performs a corporate command as literally as possible at the location of the command. Performed around Boston Massachusetts, and in Baltimore, MD at the 2006 Transmodern Age Festival. Some commands performed have been “Say It With Flowers,” and “Hop To It!”
“Corporate Commands: Say It With Flowers,” Baltimore, MD
“57 Things To Do for Free in Harvard Square: #4 Fix Your Hair,” Harvard Square, MA
“Everything is in Oder,” The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln MA
“Unmarked Packages: A Case for Feeling Insecure,” Chicago, IL
“The Working is the Work,” Boston MA
“The City Formerly Known as Cambridge,” Harvard Sq, MA
Origami Stimulus Party
Springfest at Brandeis University, April 26th 2009
The Institute and origami experts from the MIT Origami Club made origami out of the Economic Stimulus Package. The goal was to turn the 600-page package into beautiful origami creations which we will then proceed to sell in order to stimulate the economy.
Brandeis University, Waltham MA
Digging for Happiness
Private Residence, Cambridge MA
September 26, 2009
The Institute found a lovely family in Cambridge, Massachusetts who let us dig for happiness in their front yard. A nice house in a nice hood. A very fine family and kids. It was a small event. A party. A gesture. An action that allowed us to explore the futile work of measuring the impact of art and its actions on our lives. A fun day. A day where we all dug for a reason. We dug for happiness. At last!
“Digging for Happiness,” Private Residence, Cambridge, MA