Read/watch them to answer the questions below: How artists transform everyday objects (YouTube video) The Case for *Conceptual Art (YouTube video) New York Times article:  “In order to understand the brutality of American capitalism, you have to start on the plantation” by Matthew Desmond.  (This article is also available as a PDF document under Files.) The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend documentary “The Alabama Women Who Made Their Quilts a Part of Modern Art” Quilts of Gee’s Bend Slideshow Found Object Handmade Project IMPORTANT:  You must answer ALL questions for credit.   1.  Here’s a quote from “The Alabama Women Who Made Their Quilts a Part of Modern Art”: “As with some other arts, however, quilt-making has traditionally struggled for recognition as a fine art. Like weaving and embroidery, quilting is often seen as merely a craft, or ‘women’s work,’ as opposed to painting and sculpting, which were traditionally considered more manly, high-art forms.  In terms of art world acceptance, the women of Gee’s Bend had an added disadvantage: their blackness.” Using one or more of the Gee’s Bend quilts as an example, make a case for the Gee’s Bend quilts to be universally accepted as fine art.  (Write at least 250 words.) 2.  In the new era of COVID-19, the concept of sustainability is moving from lip service to necessity.  Americans are faced with having to live in a more sustainable fashion, throwing away less and reusing more.  Consider the following: a)  How are the quilts of Gee’s Bend models of sustainability?  b)  Referring back to Desmond’s article, in what ways can reusing clothing, sheets, and other fabrics be considered anti-capitalist?  c)  Which of the Gee’s Bend quilters best displays sustainable habits?  How so? (Write at least 250 words total for a, b, and c.) 3.  Provide a direct quote from one of the quilters in The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend documentary.  Explain what this quote means and why it is significant to you.  (Write at least 250 words.)   4.  What materials are you planning to use for your Found Object Project?  Post a photo of them.  Are any of them of particular significance to you?  Can any of them symbolize the time we are living through?  (Write at least 250 words.) 5.  While the Gee’s Bend quilts were made for utilitarian purposes and later regarded as art, there are countless works made from *found objects and recycled materials that were originally intended as art.  Take a look at some here, here, and here. a)  What separates the works that were created as art from those that, like the Gee’s Bend quilts, were made for everyday use? b)  In your opinion, is it true that anything can be art?  Why or why not? (Write at least 250 words total for a and b.) 6.  Choose ONE of the following quotes from the assigned YouTube videos above.  Put it in context and explain it in your own words.  (Write at least 250 words.) a)  “Taste is the great enemy of art.”  ~  Marcel Duchamp b)  “We must not hesitate to bewilder sensation.”  ~ André Breton c)  “You have to have time to feel sorry for yourself if you’re going to be a good *Abstract Expressionist.”  ~ Robert Rauschenberg d)  “They don’t have to buy it to have it — they can have it just by knowing it.”  ~ Lawrence Weiner e)  “The world is full of objects, more or less interesting; I do not wish to add any more.  I prefer, simply, to state the existence of things in terms of time and/or place.”  ~ Douglas Huebler 7.  Why is Oppenheim’s teacup, known as Breakfast in Fur, “The perfect surrealist object” according to Breton?  (Write at least 250 words.) Pay attention: All questions require at least 250 words.  Always post word counts for all answers. Note on research:  Whatever research you do to answer these questions must be cited.  You don’t have to use a particular citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), but you do have to at least list books or websites if they inform your answers.