Donkeys Like to Stand

Allison Hyde, Isn't Life Grand When You're in Love, found objects and plastic, 2009.

Thought of the Day: Donkeys like to stand, not lie rigidly on their sides.

Two of the Telephone Room Gallery's youngest fans – Lauren and Willa, age 5, but let's not be ageist – visited the Hello! exhibition independently and made it clear that they had an issue with Isn't Life Grand When You're in Love. Although they are both savvy art world insiders, and are more familiar than they would like to be with "No Touching" and "Touching harms the art", they both instinctively reached out and gently placed the fallen donkey on its feet again. It was only after the second instance that the different states of mind that we are in became apparent: to some people, a yellow plastic donkey should be proudly standing upright, regardless of whether it is art or in love.

Allison Hyde is currently studying in Eugene, Oregon, pursuing her MFA in Printmaking at the University of Oregon.
www.allisonhyde.com

Allison Hyde is a part of the Telephone Room Gallery's Hello! show, on view from February 18 to April 30, 2009. Viewable by appointment—please email us. Don't be shy.