Aggression
2007 is an updated remixed version of the series of Aggression
performances done in the late 1980's and early 90's.
It features a blindfolded, naked performer suspended
between 2 video projections. A group of viewers hold
a bar keeping the performer suspended. The left video
projection features american war footage made in the
80's on super 8 film and on VHS from the early 90's,
including the "Gulf War". The right projection screen
features digital video footage from the ongoing war in
Iraq. Three monitors on the floor behind the performer
show animated footage from 3 major anti-war protests
in New York in 2003/2004. A digital photo print on
fabric, depicting multiple grayscale american flags
lies beneath the performer and forms the resting place
for the start and end of the performance. A 15 minute
soundtrack accompanies. |
The
performance starts with the bound and blindfolded performer
lying on the fabric print on the ground. Monitors and
screens show video static. Viewers enter the room and
a group of them is asked to take hold of the bar. A
countdown is heard and an assistant pulls on the rope
raising the performer into the center of the projections,
lit from both sides and casting full body shadows on
each screen. The shadows should cover the projector
pointing out from each screen. Once in place the assistant
attaches the rope to the bar held by the viewers and
walks away. The performer is held in this position
for the duration of the performance. As time goes by
the performer will move and wriggle in order to minimize
pain and stress, to prolong his ability to endure the
situation. After the videos and soundtrack are finished,
the screens return to video static and the assistant
unhooks the rope and lowers the performer, who remains
on the ground till the static ends. |
The
performer is illuminated by the video information and
is situated in an environment of moving images. He
is present in both video screens by the absence of
video information, replaced by live, moving information
on the performer, in the form of his shadow. The soundtrack
and videos provide an immersive visual and aural space
that informs the situation the performer is in, with
sampled footage related to the american war machine
and a score created from audio samples gleaned from
american tv, of mundane phrases, jingles and non-sequiturs,
backed by heavy, throbbing bass and heavy breathing,
rhythmic panting. The war screens, large and dominating,
are countered in miniature by the 3 monitors on the
ground depicting the war protest movement. The printed
flags on fabric form an iconic "home" for
the performer.
Bound
and blindfolded, with his life in the hands of others
and bombarded by images of aggression, the performer
abides the situation. Endures the process. All movements
are for the purpose of maintaining, no acting or embellishments.
He remains silent and passive. |