Description
'The Lazy' is a reflection on the early stages of colonization, focusing on the paradox of new worlds and continents that are both occupied by their Indigenous peoples yet empty and ready for settlement.
During the early colonial periods in New England and America, the description of Indians as 'lazy and poverty-stricken' by the English was a tactic used to justify the immoral seizure of land from Indigenous peoples for the purpose of civilizing the land through cultivation. For the Indigenous inhabitants, their predominantly nomadic lifestyle, familiarity with open borders, and constant adaptation to nature created an impression of emptiness and vast open spaces for early colonists.
Throughout the country today, one can find similarly described spaces in vacant storefronts, unaffordable residential housing, empty seasonal and summer rentals, and other private lands.
Symbolically, these spaces represent the history of Indigenous land dispossession. The Lazy attempts to reinforce this symbolism by leaving the conversation open-ended, while also raising the question: who better to use these empty lands than the original people from whom they were stolen?
As the project continues, the images will hopefully persuade the lease owners to offer art and social events to revitalize the community and build bridges between communities, starting with Indigenous people's efforts.
