Out of TownerHope is the Greatest Whore :
Irena Haiduk at Art Basel by Leah Sandler
Bon Bon Bon Ton : Balkan Outlet ( at Kavi Gupta , part of Kabinett at Art Basel Miami Beach )
Candy wrapper image provided by artist
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“ I intended this transaction to be about class awareness , the meanings of weight , and the corruption of mind and teeth via books and candy .” — Irena Haiduk
I bought into Irena Haiduk ’ s candy store critique of political ideology , quite literally . Her booth , which allowed fair-goers to purchase candy through an exchange of both money and information , spoke to the extravagance of the main fair , and to a larger notion of commodifi cation of desires and fears . A marbleized reception area surrounded by mirrored walls allowed me to watch the entirety of the transaction happen as if disembodied ; viewing myself as a consumer while participating in an exchange . Broadsides reading “ HOPE IS THE GREATEST WHORE ” were displayed next to this reception area , a fl eeting glimpse into the work ’ s critical goals . Three books were displayed behind the reception area as well — a small , black book with a rune-like inscription , reading “ SPELLS ,” a larger pink one echoing the message “ HOPE IS THE GREATEST
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