Sweepers Clock
Maarten Baas
Sweepers Clock by Maarten Baas | Photo courtesy of the artist
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Sweepers Clock is a recorded performance of two people sweeping trash for twelve hours. The film presents time in the format of a physical, labor-intensive process. It is a part of the series Real Time, which are 12-hour long performances indicating the time.
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The Sweepers Clock features two handymen sweeping trash for 12 hours to form the shape of clock hands (one for the hour hand, one for the minute hand) to indicate the time as they go. Over the course of 12 hours, the two piles of dust and waste were moved in real time by two people using brooms, wearing blue coveralls reminiscent of street sweepers.
The artwork is set to the real time.
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Maarten Baas is often described as an “author-designer,” since his works straddle the boundaries between art and design. His work is known to be rebellious, playful, intellectual, theatrical and artistic. His work varies from conceptual designs, limited editions, production design, installations, public space, architecture, interior design, theater design, and performances.
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