Blocking Passing
Expanding Smith's Approach: Embracing Performance-Based Actions and Sculptural Traditions
Blocking Passing" is an innovative project that aims to both explore and extend the creative activity approach developed by Smith, an influential artist. This project focuses on working with performers in what Smith refers to as Performance-Based Actions, in which movement, navigation, and interaction with objects and the performers' own bodies become integral parts of the sculptural tradition.
Drawing inspiration from the rich history of artists such as Flux and Gilbert and George's "Living Sculptures," Bruce McLean's "Pose Band," and Station House Opera's multimedia performances, Blocking Passing aims to push boundaries and redefine artistic practice.
One significant aspect of Smith's work involves cutting into buildings, which references Gordon Matta-Clark's interventions and sculptures. By incorporating elements of Matta-Clark's bold and disruptive approach, this project intends to challenge conventional notions of space and architecture, encouraging viewers to recognize the inherent artistic possibilities within structures that surround us.
1. Performance-Based Actions: This project seeks to redefine artistic expression by incorporating performers who become active participants in the creation of art. Their movements, navigation, and interactions intertwine with the sculptural tradition, blurring the lines between artist, object, and observer.
2. Sculptural Tradition: Building upon the foundations laid by notable artists like Flux and Gilbert and George, Bruce McLean, and Station House Opera, "Expanding Smith's Approach" incorporates their artistic legacies into an innovative exploration of contemporary art, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered sculpture.
3. Gordon Matta-Clark's Influence: Inspired by Matta-Clark's interventions and sculptures, this project embraces the concept of cutting into buildings as a means of transforming spaces into artistic experiences. By adopting this approach, "Expanding Smith's Approach" challenges traditional views of architecture and encourages audiences to perceive structures differently.
Target Audience:
"Expanding Smith's Approach" will appeal to art enthusiasts who crave unique and provocative experiences. This project will attract individuals who appreciate the convergence of performance art, sculpture, and architecture, and who are eager to engage with art that defies traditional categorizations.
Potential Impact:
By expanding on Smith's approach and incorporating elements from diverse artistic practices, "Expanding Smith's Approach" has the potential to invigorate the art world, stimulating discourse and challenging artistic conventions. It encourages audiences to question their understanding of art, space, and the role of the artist. Through innovative performances and exploration of sculptural traditions, this project aims to inspire and provoke thought, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible within the realm of creativity.
Moveable walls on wheels
This is a work designed for gallery and museum settings. A series of moveable walls, sit in the gallery space, images of movement and performance actions are projected.
Throughout the exhibtion or event the wallks are moved to contain, restict and cut through the space. If this is in a exhibition format, there will be moments of human action and activity throughout the exhibiton period. In an event senerio, which would be durational over the period of a day, there will be a sequence of time specific choregraphed performed actions that interact with the objects themselves, walls, performers and audience.
Blocking Passing: A Bold Exploration of Borders and Asylum Detention
Blocking Passing is a groundbreaking performance piece that delves deep into the complex themes of borders, control, and asylum detention. This innovative work promises to challenge, provoke, and inspire audiences.
The audience are not passive and are split into two opposing groups divided by retaining walls that divide one audience from the other.
At a time when the world continues to grapple with issues of immigration and refugee crises, "Blocking Passing" dares to embark upon these sensitive topics through the powerful medium of performance art.
Transcending traditional boundaries, this work seeks to shed light on the struggles faced by those in search of better lives, often met with harsh realities and restrictive systems upon reaching foreign lands.
The transparent narrative thread of "Blocking Passing" follows the plight of individuals who yearn to cross borders, seeking refuge and safety. Through a series of visually stunning and emotionally charged vignettes, the audience will bear witness to the countless barriers encountered on this arduous journey. From video projects of razor wire fences symbolizing division and separation to bureaucratic institutions operating as gatekeepers of hope, the physical and emotional landscapes of asylum detention will be laid bare before our eyes.
This is a meticulously crafted an immersive experience that will transport viewers directly into the heart of this disquieting reality.
Employing innovative staging techniques, mesmerizing choreography, and an eclectic soundscape, "Blocking Passing" creates an atmosphere that engulfs the audience in the world of asylum seekers. As spectators, we are invited to challenge our own perceptions and confront the ethical questions surrounding borders and control.
Moreover, "Blocking Passing" is far from a one-dimensional exploration of a pressing global issue. It delves into the untold stories of detention center personnel, examining their own experiences, conflicts, and moments of compassion. By offering a multi-faceted perspective, the production bravely aims to foster empathy and compassion as two critical responses to the complexity of asylum detention.
As boundaries between art and activism continue to blur, "Blocking Passing" emerges as a timely and thought-provoking work that demands attention. By confronting uncomfortable truths and presenting them through the lens of artistic expression, this performance constitutes an important catalyst for dialogue and change. It seeks to ignite conversations on the pressing issues of our time, promoting understanding and ultimately fostering humanity.
Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and moved as this extraordinary piece of performance art pushes boundaries, dismantles barriers, and invites us all to contemplate the intricate tapestry of borders, control, and asylum detention.