004: American Rococo

Duane McDiarmid, our storyteller from episode 001 "Hitchhiking Australia," returns to tell a story about one of the major works of art from his career as a sculptor and performance artist. A plan to commemorate the harsh realities of living in the mountains is quickly shattered as Duane comes face to face with the opulence and wealth in Aspen, Colorado where his artist residency is taking place. This juxtaposition forces Duane to examine his own wealth as an American in the twenty-first century, and he quickly begins work on a new project. Before long, Duane is touring Aspen's luxury stores while wearing a 6-foot-tall purple wig made of velvet and lace, and an entourage of "minions" follow him while carrying his various technological devices.

Story by Duane McDiarmid. Music & production by Nate Sahr.

Learn more about American Rococo and Duane's other art projects at duanemcdiarmid.com