 Patronage
(1995)
Microcontroller, display, clock, gilt frame;
12x14x2; 10lbs.
Status: collection of Lisle Matheson
Patronage is a subscription sculpture which attempts to maintain a financial
relationship between the artist and the sculpture's owner. Patronage is composed of
an LCD text display screen, computer and clock circuitry within an ornate frame. The
sculpture emulates a certificate of appreciation for its owners ongoing support of the
artist's work, by displaying the message "_owner's name_, patron of the arts.
Providing an ongoing commitment to the work of this struggling conceptual artist."
 This acknowledgement message is displayed for one year, after which the
piece displays instead a message prompting the owner to renew their commitment. The
owner has thirty days to buy from the artist a code which, when input to the sculpture
using the keypad, will reset it for another year. If the financial commitment is not
renewed, the piece switches to a message which describes the owner's abandonment of their
commitment.
Patronage is wall hung using two keyholes and requires 120v.
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