The Effect was Ephemeral

6:30PM
Friday, June 6, 1998
Albany

I am walking along the concourse at the Empire Plaza, leaving work
after the last long day of a long week. Kevin, my student intern is
accompanying me and we're talking about the Computer Art show
organized by Paul Miyamoto, which is still hanging at the RCCA.

Kevin mentions the review Bill Jaeger wrote for the Times Union last
Sunday, "Simplistic Art in RCCA Show". Kevin was especially interested
because he helped me staple the large head portraits of Marcel Duchamp
and Chevy Chase to the wall. Kevin came to the opening with his
housemates and this was his first time participating in an art opening
and then reading about it.

"He certainly didn't like the show", I tell Kevin.

"What do you mean?", he asks.

"Well, for starters, he called it a prime example of 'the absymal
state of contemporary computer art.'"

"Sure, but how could computer art be anything but contemporary?",
replies Kevin.

"Good point!", I say.

"Well anyhow, he did seem to like your head-shots. Or at least I
think he did. I mean, he got the idea of artist versus comedian,
and he did say they were enjoyable" says Kevin.

"But then he also said", he continues "that the effect was ephemeral..."

Suddenly a harsh voice booms at us, "Yo, punk! You talkin t'me?!"

I turn to see that we've pulled up next to one of two huge guys
sweeping the concourse hallway. They've recently started using
work-release inmates from the local prison to do the maintenance
at the Plaza. This guy's a giant, towering over Kevin, who's
already a lot taller than me. He's glaring down at Kevin and shoots
me the evil eye.

"Oh no," answers Kevin, "we were just talking about some artists."

"Unh..." says the big guy, and turns back to his sweeping.

"That was a close one." I think, as we sashay out the building.