Brian Bess - "Status Report"

His videos just seem chaotic and nonsensical. Especially this one. I looked at some of his current work and just saw stills through the gallery that represents him and it seems to serve more of a purpose.

This video in particular references coal miners and famous quilts. I just don't understand how he has any context to appropriate and make fun of those.

Here is a photo from documentary photographer Arthur Rothstein of a girl in Gee's Bend.

Here is a map of the location. The current residents are descendants from a single plantation that has specialized in this quilt making since before the Great Depression.

Here are images of the two quilts that he appropriated. 

Loretta Pettway, born 1942. Four-block strips, ca. 1960, cotton twill and synthetic matierial (men's clothing), 78 x 73 inches.

Mary L. Bennett, born 1942. "Housetop" variation, ca. 1965, cotton and cotton/polyester blend, 77 x 82 inches

Here are his appropriated painted versions.

I just don't understand in what context we are supposed to view the quilts in now. It seems nonsensical. I'm not a huge fan of his work. It seems erratic and unplanned.