Pocket Codifier

1980 | Printed paper, printed plastic, rivets; 9 x 5 ins. An edition of 15.

THIS PIECE WAS the result of a major breakthrough in my thinking about art. I had become interested in creating objects that looked utilitarian but had an absurdist edge to them, and the Pocket Codifier was one such device. It purported to codify aesthetic experience, thus allowing the user to create a personal aesthetic norm as a guide for further experiences. It was also created as a multiple edition and was intended to be shown and sold in art museum and gallery stores rather than in a gallery space proper.