Strip poker art in the name of capitalism? In this age of unprecedented economic inequality, many are speaking out against those atop the capitalist food chain and attempting to unveil the injustice in our system. Artist Zefrey Throwell’s new performance piece 'I’ll Raise You One...' will do a whole lot of unveiling, as 48 participants engage in a week-long strip poker tournament in front of a glass window in TriBeCa, New York.
How is this gambling romp art? Those who signed up to play were given no guidelines on what to wear. So while some came in just jeans and a t-shirt, others layered up in preparation. Players were all expected to play by the same rules, but with radically different means. Sound familiar? "There's an inherent statement about capitalism" explained a player.
Throwell's previous works have involved nudity as well, including the performance 'Ocularpation: Wall Street' in which 50 people dressed as bankers and custodians stripped down to nothing in the middle of Wall Street. The piece brought 'transparency' to Wall Street like never before, as well as disorderly conduct charges to three of the performers.
The strip poker art performance began on November 12 and will continue until the 19th at Art In General Gallery. Performances run from 10:30 am to 6 pm; stop by to see a bunch of strangers get risky and frisky all in the name of capitalism.