Students tip hats to sidewalk art
By Aja Gabel, Contributing Writer
Wesleyan Argus- November 21, 2003


An unusual debate has sprung up around campus about a peculiar fedora hat that was left on the walkway in front of Olin Library.

Some students believe the hat, which was placed neatly with leaves framing it, is an anonymous work of art, meant to inspire dialogue on the campus. Others believe that the hat is simply a misplaced article of clothing.

“I don’t know what to make of it,” said Alana Sisson ’05. “All I can say for sure is that the hat reminds me of something Sherlock Holmes would wear, and this is certainly a mystery.”

The case for meaningful art has been made in that the hat still bears a price tag from the retail chain store, Target. The price tag reads $16.99. This has been taken as a commentary on consumer culture, and on the general evil of corporate business.

“That price tag obviously points to the obscenity of the current state of consumerism, and its immediate presence on campus,” said American Studies major Jesse Appelman ’04.

In addition to the price tag, the hat also has a tag sewn into it detailing its production. It indicates that the hat was made in Cambodia, and should only be machine washed in cold water. It does not detail whether actress Angelina Jolie was humanitarianly involved with the particular Cambodian sweatshop the hat was made in.

Regarding the sewn-in tag, Appelman added, “I’ve spent four years here studying hegemony, and I know it when I see it.”

In the vein of the Library Project, this hat trick is understandably dubious. Whereas the Library Project was spoken for, and its purpose clear, the hat as yet to be claimed. Yet the hat’s obvious placement in front of the library steps, in the midst of the controversially placed light fixtures, suggests a display of modern artistry.

The newly purchased hat is attractive to behold, with a smart plaid pattern and a molded double-peaked top. The leaves framing the hat span the fall spectrum from yellow to crimson, melding well with the color scheme of the fabric.

Students have been gathering in hordes to look at the hat. During mid-afternoon rushes to class, many have formed circles around the hat, pondering in silence or in heated discussion. Sarah Kavanagh ’04, is considering organizing a Cardinal Sinners concert on the steps of Olin, with music centered around the hat.

“The Sinners always strive to perform progressively, incorporating as many different art forms as we can,” Kavanagh said. “This display provides a wonderful opportunity for us to perform pieces from the extensive archive of hat-based a capella songs.”

Some library administrators are not so keen. A certain staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about how the academic advantages of the aesthetically pleasing Library Project outshine the static nature of the hat project.

The Library Project, while seemingly pointless, purports to inspire a ground-breaking interest in books and the valuable library process. Perhaps due to its anonymity, the hat display does not purport to do anything. Further differences between numbers stenciled on a wall and a hat placed on the ground were not discussed with the staff member.

“I’ll admit, its open-endedness makes it sort of sexy,” Sisson said.

Not all students think this hat trick is art. Scuffles have arisen in the past weekend when students have tried to wear the hat, disassemble the leaves, or move the supposed display in any way. Minor altercations have also occurred when art history majors have threatened to boycott the walkway. No one knows exactly why the group of students would boycott, but guesses have been made.

“I feel like I can understand where they’re coming from because I’m queer,” said Joe Fischel ’04. “They clearly feel like they are being silenced by this gross appropriation and institutional misuse of their field of study.”

“I don’t get it,” said passer-by Sam Levy ’06. “Someone dropped their hat. It’s not art, it’s laziness.”