For the macro well being of a capitalist system, what is actually bought or sold becomes secondary to the actual act of consumer transactions transpiring. We saw this occur, as the government urged people to begin spending and purchasing in an effort to revive the American economy after the tragedy of 9/11. It was not important what was bought or sold, as long financial transactions kept flowing through the economic machine, the path to recovery would be under way. Perhaps it can be seen that a consumer society is actually more dependent on the acts of purchasing then the exchange of goods or services.
In Khan Artist, the artist appropriates the act and systems of credit consumption. Registering as a validated merchant with a fully operational credit processing machine and account, the Artist (or through a sales rep proxy) asks the visitor to make a purchase - though no product or service is returned in kind at the time of transaction. The visitor's purchase card will be charged an amount of money (a minimum of $1.00 is required, though the visitor can willingly offer a higher amount). The Artist's name will show up on the itemized list of the visitor's monthly statement.
What is bought and what is sold? Consumption of art or consumption as art? Does the piece become more precious if a larger amount is charged. Is the statement an artifact because of the artist's name appearing? or acknowledgemnt of art (and artist) as commodity and product.
Please note, the visitors will be charged a minimum amount of $1.00. However the only information about the visitor and their card(s) (the text that appears on the receipt) that is kept is the same as any merchant accepting credit cards.
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