When I came across this piece of news, I instinctively thought two things, “Aww how sweet” and “What a novel idea!”

A note from the editors:

This journal is the tireless work of a group of people who share a particular relationship. What makes this publication unique is that all the participants are, or were, at the time they created these works, museum guards at the most prestigious cultural institution in New York City.

SW!PE is what we are called.

This magazine exists to disseminate and exhibit the artistic output of workers, in turn exposing the dignity, humanity, and brilliance of these works and the people who created them. It is both a celebration and a battle cry, not only of the artists showcased inside, but for all workers.

Guards’ Matter, not only calls attention to the simple fact that the guards (workers) matter, but that the matter they produce is important. It was in this grand tradition that SW!PE was created. We hope for it to act as encouragement and at the same time, a platform, for a very special group of artists to be seen, but more importantly – heard.

In closing, we encourage SW!PE as an idea for other institutions and communities to develop and explore what creative talents lie hidden beneath, beside, and within us all.

SW!PE in / SW!PE out!

The Editorial Team
February 2010
New York, NY