Mierle Laderman Ukeles, 1984-1985

For many years, Mierle Laderman Ukeles was the official artist-in-residence at the New York City Department of Sanitation. She created art installations and performance-art projects focusing on trash, garbage, and sanitation workers, tools, and vehicles. She also choreographed machine dances which incorporated sanitation sweepers and barges. An observant Jew, Ms. Ukeles relates especially to ecology, the dignity of sanitation workers, and the process of transformation from uncleanliness to cleanliness.