Writing in the Creative Arts Center elevator | Photo by Makenzie Hoeferlin | The Wright State Guardian
“They wanted to make artworks in the space in the building,” said Glen Cebulash, chair and professor of Art for the Art History Department. “And so then they asked me if I would help facilitate that, and that’s what I have done.”
Changes to the Creative Arts Center
Those familiar with the Creative Arts Center (CAC) on Wright State’s Dayton Campus may have noticed some changes to their surroundings lately.
One of the more obvious changes occurred in one of the elevators in the CAC. For the longest time, the elevator was painted a plain grey. Then suddenly, the elevator was painted yellow, covered in handwritten words from top to bottom.
“I think its cool, I was amazed when I first saw it,” said Luma, 25. “I think it took a lot of effort and time to write all that.”
Many of the students at WSU have different speculations and opinions about the artwork in the elevator.
“I think that it just feels like you’re walking into someone else’s brain,” said Maytee, 23. “In the way that it’s just overwhelming. I do like it though in the way that it’s different than everything else.”
An anonymous artist
According to Cebulash, he was contacted through email by Betrüg Kunst, who claimed to be an artist.
Cebulash claims to know nothing about the artist except their name and email address.
Cebluash was not willing to disclose the email address or any of the emails that took place between him and the supposed artist.
“I didn’t know this artist,” said Cebulash. “And I don’t even know whether that’s a man or woman. I think it’s a woman. I’ve never had a conversation with them, but I was interested in what she wanted to do. And so I agreed to help facilitate that.”
Cebulash has only ever communicated with Kunst through email.
“I have no information about this person at all,” said Cebulash. “But there were just a series of back and forth emails, and then I just eventually was convinced that they were serious and that they wanted to do these things, and so I tried.”
Mysterious art project
Upon answering the email, Cebulash was asked to carry out specific tasks, such as writing words in the elevator.
“They’re using me,” said Cebulash. “I’m the facilitator. I helped them realize the piece, but it [the artwork] is theirs.”
Cebulash explained that he does not take credit for the artwork, but simply helps display it for the artist.
In the case of the elevator, Cebulash was asked to write a very famous set of poems called “The Duino elegies” by a poet named Rainer Maria Rilke on the walls of the elevator.
According to Cebulash, the artist spoke as if she had knowledge of the campus.
“She knew about this space,” said Cebulash. “So, I would assume that she must have seen it, but, again, I have no idea.”
Multiple projects
The elevator is not the only piece of artwork that Cebulash has “facilitated” for this anonymous artist. There are several areas around the CAC that display Kunst’s art.
Completing these projects is time-consuming and sometimes difficult.
Cebulash typically spends around 10 hours on a single project and often has to ask for keys to get into locked areas.
All of the art projects have taken place within the last year, but Cebulash has not heard from Kunst since early November.
Cebulash has tried to look Kunst up on the internet but has found nothing.
“I don’t even know if it’s a real name,” said Cebulash.
Sharing the art
Although Cebulash does not know the artist or the purpose behind the projects, he continues to devote his time and efforts to share the art with Wright State.
The real identity of Betrüg Kunst and the motivation behind their secrecy is still a mystery, and it may always be, but there could be a hidden message behind the creations.
It seems Kunst has left the interpretation up to the observers of the art.
