The Siberian Deal Trading Statement

The objects selected for Trading in Siberia can be considered useful and practical for mid-economic level persons < NOT RICH, BUT NOT POOR>. They were purchased in Austria, rather spontaneously, and without regard to making any particular political statement. They were not bought with the intention to make money - but as a devise to reach people. These objects were intended to facilitate communication and provide a real experience of transmitting information.

We find that here --in this part of central Siberia-- people are not accustomed to the idea of exchange. At the same time, we have lost connection to the "value" of the things we brought: their relative worth has shifted. Everything here seems very expensive to us, especially when compared to prices in Europe. There are no *shortages* anymore, only a lack of variety and quality. We are amazed to observe what appears to us to be a shopping frenzy, and the high prices everywhere do not seem to curtail buying. Rather, the inflated prices, especially of imported goods, creates the illusion that the acquisition of something is an investment.

In the final analysis, the idea of trading objects here must be reconsidered. We now see it as a fantasy and a conceptual interpretation of "things". Yet, it is real, physically exhausting, and strains our attention. There is not much in this flat, gray urban environment to distract us, and our energy is completely concentrated on the project. We seek diversions.

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INDEX I EMAIL I SIBERIAN DEAL MAINPAGE I GO ON I THE STORY SO FAR PT.1 I THE STORY SO FAR PT.2 I THE STORY SO FAR PT.3