What is the 99cent Ethic?

There are many interpretations of this ethic depending on the point of view of the interpreter. Art, like teaching is a two way street. There must be an agreement, a contract, between student and teacher so that learning- change is going to occur. The teacher will assume one role and the student the other but that they will assume roles relative to each other and thereby create a possibility for change to occur. If either party is unwilling or is too rigged, than change can’t occur.

Likewise with art, one party presents a question, visually, auditorily, kinesthetically and the other experiences it. Both the presentation and the reception are colored by the experiences of the individuals involved and create a new experience when they collide.

From the perspective of the one making the art, the  99¢Ethic can mean.

  • The materials are purchased from the  99¢store or other such discount establishment.
  • The representation of the idea, concept or image is a facsimile, like a knock-off of an expensive watch or handbag purchased on Canal street.
  • The presentation is that of a Penny Dreadful, Pulp Fiction or a Comic Book pretentious but lacking airs.  
  • The price or label of  – 99¢Ethic is designed to entice by associating it with psychological pricing and all the theories, history and stories behind explaining the phenomenon. 

From the perspective of the one viewing the art,  the  99¢Ethic can mean.

  • This is something authentic, it took time to conceive, construct, and make this piece available. Within that is its value. The elite and privaledged do not determine its value .
  • Thought has gone into this and you can experience it as you wish.
  • This is to entertain and provoke an emotion like a Penny Dreadful, Pulp Fiction Novel or other ubiquitous offering.