Electronic sign display
30 seconds at 20 minute intervals
The Public Art Fund, Times Square, NYC
1988

“From August 1 through August 31, 1988, a 30-second computer animated message by artist Ericka Beckman will be broadcast from the Spectacolor lightboard at One Times Square. Beckman’s message titled “Advertisement for GITSO TRUST,” will run every twenty minutes, appearing within a loop of commercial advertisements.

Beckman’s message is an advertisement for a fictional Japanese corporation, “GITSO TRUST,” that is “here to help manage America’s future.” The message, which uses images of tractors standing abandoned in a field and a red sun with the GITSO TRUST logo rising over America, reers to the farm crisis in America as well as the increasing control of technology by Japanese industry. It reminds the viewer of America’s domestic difficulties and the growing influence of Japan on our economy.” — The Public Art Fund Inc. press release, July 1988

• “Public Art Fund Presents Ericka Beckman at Times Square” PUBLIC ART FUND INC (press release), July 1988