Randy Hussong Hot Rod Rodeo

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Hot Rod Rodeo



Hot Rod Rodeo Inside a circus tent measuring sixty five feet in diameter and twenty five feet high, four life sized horses that appear to have been genetically engineered by hot rod & custom car culture aesthetics surround a rotating platform upon which a gargantuan one million horsepower organic powerplant is displayed. Two sets of grandstands are positioned on opposite sides - on one side a traditional, portable, aluminum version for the blue collar philosophers, the other, church pews are set on a multi-tiered platform for the religious right or moral grandstand. Along the perimeter are three striped canvas carnival booths - each one containing related artifacts, interactive games, souvenirs and information. Banners of potential corporate sponsors such as Genetech, Novagen, Biogen, Upvalley Feed and Fuel, Budweiser, Wrangler, and Levi's hang proudly throughout. Parked in front of a wall of hay bales, the tow vehicle, an early 1950's ranch wagon with carnivalesque advertising on the horse trailer delineates the optimism of the Eisenhower Era in contrast to new millennial technology. By dovetailing technology, genetic and scientific research, automotive culture and mythological figures with sideshow sensationalism, corporate sponsorship and moral grandstanding, viewers are confronted by odd and disturbing issues of genetic engineering and cloning by the customizing and choreographing of nature. This installation realizes fears and openly debates moral issues.