The Cry Closet

Installed last month at the University of Utah's J. Willard Marriott Library. A sign hanging on it explained: "A Safe Place for Stressed Out Students. Otherwise known as The Cry Closet. This space is meant to provide a place for students studying for finals to take a short 10-minute break."

An art project, of course. Created by graduating senior Nemo Miller. (More info).

It obviously struck a nerve because this thing got a huge amount of media attention.



     Posted By: Alex - Tue May 29, 2018
     Category: Art





Comments
Art is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, this cry closet just doesn't seem to be a very creative construction. I never felt an urge to cry during any final exams I prepared for or took in college. I did feel a need to cope with the pressure sometimes, though. So I think I'd like to see the result if someone decided to make a primal scream closet.
Posted by Fritz G on 05/29/18 at 07:54 AM
Fritz, I like your idea of the "primal scream" closet. That may need more insulation than the example shown. However, I do like the way the construction makes the closet appear that it was just lifted out of its place in a wall section with the exposed framing.

I read the rules of use and rule number two put the thought of any hanky-panky out of mind.

Posted by KDP on 05/29/18 at 09:52 AM
Tremendous idea, this "primal scream" closet. Should come with a plates-breaking bar, where you can buy plates and break them on site. It exists in Japan. We already have furniture-breaking outlets but they are few and far between. We need a "primal scream" closet and a plates-breaking bar in every high school, college, commercial street and university.
Posted by Yudith on 05/29/18 at 11:50 AM
Improper corner construction and odd placement of firestops. She'd better survive as an artist because she won't make a living as a carpenter.

Concept is spot on, and if you ascribe to the current theory that art is/should be social/political commentary, then it's great. Creative, elegant, insightful, and subversive.

On a more personal level, it's bad for me to see this today because it feeds my anxiety of perverseness -- I just heard that The Onion is going to have to shut down because they can't come up with things stranger than what is actually happening in the world today, and this supports that notion.
Posted by Phideaux on 05/29/18 at 12:45 PM
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