London garage sale, Martha Rosler ; [accompanies: Martha Rosler, London Garage Sale (4 June - 17 July 2005) at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London]

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Since the early 1970s, influential American artist Martha Rosler has explored contemporary society through vernacular culture and daily experiences. For the Institute, she presents her iconic work, Garage Sale, inviting visitors to sift through piles of items, bargain with sales assistants, and purchase displayed goods, with all proceeds going to charity. Originally held in 1973 at the University of California, San Diego, this installation and performance piece was marketed as both a jumble sale in local newspapers and an art event within the community. The exhibition features second-hand items—clothes, books, records, toys, costume jewelry, and personal mementos—arranged on racks and tables for sale. Garage Sale critiques the status of art, examining it as a fetishized object and commodity while representing a subjective history and way of thinking. This work serves as a powerful metaphor for personal and social relations, particularly within the politically charged context of the women's movement in the 1970s. Through this immersive experience, Rosler encourages reflection on the intersection of art, commerce, and community engagement.