On December 7th, just outside Art Basel, viral artist Vita Kari (they/them), alongside André Atkins, debuted Close the Door, a provocative performance that highlighted the critical issue of inaccessible public restrooms in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Building on themes explored in their previous work Trapped in a Can, Kari’s latest performance once again tackled issues of infrastructure, public space, and accessibility, sparking a viral conversation about the limitations of urban design.
In Close the Door, Kari constructed miniature, dollhouse-sized replicas of early 20th-century Spanish-tiled public restrooms. These tiny, non-functional restrooms were encased in a semi-transparent, portable “bathroom-cage,” where Kari was “trapped,” engaging with the audience through interactive elements. Viewers could trigger specific actions on the cage via buttons, reflecting the idea of performers as programmable entities, similar to the NPC roleplay trends on TikTok and Instagram. This participatory design reinforced Kari's critique of how individuals—especially those from marginalized communities—are often denied access to basic needs like public restrooms.
The performance was shut down by police within an hour, sparking the very viral social media storm Kari had intended. The shutdown amplified the conversation about public restroom accessibility and urban neglect, resonating with many who shared their own experiences of exclusion and inaccessibility in public spaces.
To further the message of accessibility, Kari sold self-portrait bathroom sculptures, with proceeds benefiting two Miami-based organizations: Camillus House, which supports unhoused individuals, and Pridelines, which provides services to the LGBTQ+ community. This philanthropic element underscored Kari’s commitment to using their art as a platform for social change.
In addition to the performance, Kari’s work was also featured at the Untitled Art Fair in Miami Beach (December 4-8, 2024), where they exhibited new tapestry works with Yiwei Gallery. These tapestries continued their exploration of heritage, identity, and accessibility, blending digital and tactile elements to reflect on cultural narratives.
Through Close the Door and their exhibition at Untitled, Vita Kari reinforced their position as a leading voice in contemporary art, using performance, digital media, and public engagement to challenge societal norms and provoke critical conversations about accessibility, identity, and inclusion.
