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| 1/1 | 1. Motivation
There are several reasons why I am personally doing this project which are mainly connected to the role of today¡¯s contemporary artist, and the present view of art. What fascinates me is how the art community interacts (or fails to engage) with society; particularly the lack of communication and incomprehension between population and expression.
Art is often inspired from everyday life and co-exists within a dynamic of giving and taking. Art should convey more about the relationship of give and take, a re-energizing model of returning to the community that in which it has inspired. The question is whether contemporary artists can actually convey their thoughts and directions successfully to the world around them? Can they bridge the gap and communicate their ideas?
This project examines these problems and questions, however the artist can take an active role to do more than expose these inquiries. He or she can actually put transformation processes into action. I use my vocation as an artist to issue real change, but also it is a vulnerable and dangerous undertaking to tackle alone. Like an art-martyr of sorts, I feel a responsibility to
create physically, and emotionally challenging situations, where I can move against the grain, swim upstream and command attention through my collaborations.
2. Artistic practice: 20 day project series
I have presented myself with the challenge and commitment of choosing 20 different countries, over the course of ten years (averaging two per year), then 20 different situations, and 20 different themes or subjects with relation to each context. By using minimal time for maximum results, the task becomes a ritualistic process of efficiency, although this layered series of events is about more than ¡°efficiency¡±. The aim is to produce and share energy, ignite groundbreaking ideas, while working spontaneously within different contexts, but essentially just jumping in and creating through the act of doing. The relationship between idea and art becomes simplified and a true manifestation of the phrase ¡°sometimes the shortest distance between point A and B is a straight line.¡±
As an artist I serve as a medium in the flow of performances, discussions, creation of art objects, role reversal, still and video documentation, text production and presentation. To date the support of these projects is one of immediate expression in exchange for immediate needs (such as food and shelter). My past projects provided the community with a vehicle to express themselves, individually as well as in a mass or group, and in turn I was provided with the basic needs for my survival during the course of the 20 days. Art takes on the same value here, as food, shelter and safety as an additional and equal basic need for personal and global existence. With this initial approach, I was able to maintain a collaborative freedom that remains raw, practical and direct. |
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