TO HAVE, TO HOLD (PANGS II): Intimacy can be thought of a tenuous exchange of power. One offers something of themselves and in many cases without knowing if it will be reciprocated. This exchange and the vulnerable state we place ourselves within has lasting effects. This vulnerability can be met with acceptance, embarrassment, trauma, or grief, however, not matter the outcome, the common denominator is uncertainty.
Thinking about these dynamics, to have, to hold, takes place as an intervention, defined as a performance in a public place without the general public’s knowledge. The event is structured as one simple gesture in two parts, holding fruit close to ones body to stress its value and an offering the fruit to the viewer as meant as a gift of value.
While the gesture was already clearly an offering, the raspberry references the symbolism of vanitas paintings and is a historic symbol of kindness. The raspberry became this simple due to their shape reminiscent of the human heart and material fragility. Overall, the situation though simple is actually somewhat complex–– meant for an unsuspecting audience, the performer is in a powerful position but by offering them the fruit, many rebuff the gift. The fruit then drips and stains the white garment indicating the lasting effects of the interaction.
Performed for NEXUS, the international initiative by ARTerial Performance Lab (APLAB) in the program “Urban Somatologies” during Miami Art Week in Lummus Park, Miami Beach, FL; & livestreamed for This is the Silence I Wanted to Break in You exhibition at Stockholm University, Sweden
Duration: 20 minutes
Date: 2018-19
