On this episode, THE BED, Amanda reveals a story about artistic expression, and the differences that can arise from unique pieces of art. This spirals into a conversion on what defines “art”, when does restriction of a voice boil into censorship, and why do so many people have mommy issues. Intriguing, fun, outlandish – this is SMIRK!
Welcome to Smirk. A podcast that covers society and culture through a storytelling lens. Part creative writing, part discussion, and always interesting. Each week our hosts brings a story to the show, a story they wrote themselves, which is immediately followed by discussion on the author’s moral or theme. These stories can cover any topic the host wants to discuss, it can be lighthearted or more serious. No one but the author knows if these tales are truth or fiction, and part of the fun is guessing while you’re listening before the reality is made clear.
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Want to read Amanda’s story “THE BED” in full? Think you can identify the moral or theme for this episode? Read it below, and then take a listen to the podcast.
The Bed
Tracey has shocked art gallery viewers for years, but nothing like this piece. Her goal is to make the spectator interpret the intention in their own way, leaving room for various perspectives.
After only a few steps in to the display area and whispers began. “What.. what is this?” “This is a mess.” “It looks like a crime scene!”
Tracey’s ears perked and a smirk made its way out. This is what she wanted, what she had hoped for. She knows what it means to her but she looks to what others will see.
In front of them sits a bed. The sheets are in disarray, the garbage can overflowing, period-stained clothing lay atop the rug next to cigarettes, pregnancy test, crumpled tissues, empty vodka bottles, lubricant, and condoms. You can imagine when a rich, conservative attends a viewing, the last thing they’d expect is someone airing their dirty laundry in the most literal sense.
Many critics huffed their way past, seeing it as a boring, self-indulgence. But the viewers who could connect to it, saw the vulnerability in Tracey’s piece. They might not have understood her context: that it’s inspiration followed a bad breakup and a bedridden bender, but they felt the emotion. The notice her piece received kicked off her career and “The Bed”, as she titled it, became well-known in contemporary art as the one that set a new standard for confessional art.