Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Performance Art

Our performing art project was on human trafficking. My partner Sasha and I dressed up in torn clothing, had our faces bruised with makeup, and had messy hair to give the impression of someone who has been through a lot. We also wrote the number 146 on our foreheads to represent the organization Love 146. This organization has been fighting for 15 years to stop human trafficking by bringing down brothels and rehabilitating the victims of this horrible crime. Together we witnessed how people react on campus to girls dressed the way were. We were disappointed by how many turned a blind eye or laughed at us flat out. Nobody cared to ask what we were doing.

https://love146.org/

An influence that inspired us is Marina Abromvic. She did some crazy stunts like allowing people to control her body with props such as a loaded gun to reenacting her own funeral. In my eyes, it takes courage to do performances like that. So in a way, she gave us the courage to be vulnerable and be able to act the part of a victim. Technology wasn't really made prevalent in her performances. I know she did set herself on fire, so there had to be technology to help with that.

Another influence would be Yoko Ono, specifically her Cut Piece performance. She allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of an audience as they cut her clothes. Like her, we destroyed our clothes and walked around fully vulnerable to people's judgements and looks.

And lastly, The Guerilla Girls were an influence for us because they have a cause that they're fighting for. They wear gorilla masks, not only to hide their identities, but to also gather attention in an unexpected way. This group are fighting for Women's rights because they are passionate about it and believe it is something that is mostly overlooked in society. That's how we feel about human trafficking. We feel it's not talked about enough, and it should be so people can be more aware and protect themselves. I'm not quite sure if they use a lot of technology in their performances considering I've only seen them at rallies with microphones and signs. I feel like social media has helped them spread awareness though.


1 comment:

  1. Hello Kristen Yurovchak. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on t he blogger and the blog post. Your project must have been very impressive but unfortunately the response was shallow from the ones who came to watch you but I am impressed by your very description as to how you dressed and defaced your face and hair. But you have passed on the message strongly. I would love to know the name of the organization and whether it is international. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you and about your interest. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 38 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come to Mumbai to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede

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