The artwork, titled “Touch Sanitation,” was created by Mierle Laderman Ukeles between 1978 and 1980. It belongs to the Conceptual Art movement and is categorized within the performance genre.
The artwork encapsulates a moment of interaction between the artist and sanitation workers. It features Mierle Laderman Ukeles shaking hands with one of the workers, set against the backdrop of a garbage disposal site. The handshake symbolizes acknowledgment, respect, and appreciation for the often-overlooked efforts of sanitation workers. The industrial and somewhat chaotic environment underscores the context of labor and the critical yet frequently undervalued role these individuals play in maintaining public sanitation. The artist’s action-focused approach highlights themes of social engagement, labor, and the humanization of public service workers.
