Slits 2: Pain is in the Eye of the Beholder

Description:

This was a performance art event featuring David Khang, Lois Klassen, Helge Meyer, Heidi Nagtegaal, Archer Pechawis, and Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa. While Meyer’s performance of Clash (2001) was screened as a video, the remaining five artists performed their work live in individual enclosed tent-like booths. The audience viewed each performance through slits sliced in the sides of each booth, alluding to the penetration of skin.

The event explored symbolic actions that allude to “real” or obvious pain when skin is punctured, and how performance artists might communicate pain to the viewer to evoke empathic, visceral, and sympathetic exchange without actually penetrating the skin.

Curated by Victoria Singh. 

Video documentation available upon request.