Lucky Pierre

I found Lucky Pierre's "Final Meals" video installation to be perhaps the most profound work we've looked at this quarter. In my opinion, through this piece they became true social critics of our society's overall acceptance of capital punishment. Though I probably wouldn't have considered it before, presenting the last meal a person deliberately chooses is incredibly symbolic. First, it speaks of what's happening with them internally-- maybe they're so frightened they can't eat, maybe they want to enjoy life while it lasts. Second, it begs the question of humanity. The U.S. justice system is arguably inhumane on a multitude of levels. Once people are deemed criminals, a system of dehumanization occurs (in my opinion..), even sometimes to the extent of taking away their freedom to live. Some might argue that they forfeited that freedom when they committed a crime, but still.. as an advocate of human rights, I disagree. With "Final Meals", Lucky Pierre brings the audience back to the level of these criminals being real human beings, with favorite foods or emotional stress, and to me that's what art should always be-- providing an eye-opening perspective.