This is my version of "how To Explain Art To A Dead Hare" that was originally performed by Joseph Beuys. The audience were blindfolded and given ear defenders then led one by one to their seat in the room circling easels with blank paper on them. Once they were all sat down I entered and explained to each person the artwork that was on display within the circle. Once I had "explained" the pieces I then left and the audience were then allowed to remove their blindfolds and ear protectors. They were then asked to gather around the video screen to watch what had happened whilst they were denied their senses.
I was diagnosed with having "Social Anxiety Disorder" in 2013. I wanted to show how this felt and how it not only affected myself but my family. The voices you hear are those of my wife describing what it was like living with me with this condition and that of my daughter representing the child and the inner me to break free of the struggle within myself.
Part 1 was the inner self, within my head. Only 5 people were allowed in at a time into the pitch black theater, each with a head torch to light their way. they were then led to their seat which was spaced apart from each other.
Part 2 was the physical representation of my condition. Each person was let into the heavily brightened room one at a time. Inside the room was one chair where the viewer could sit and stay as long as they wanted to.
Part 1 was the inner self, within my head. Only 5 people were allowed in at a time into the pitch black theater, each with a head torch to light their way. they were then led to their seat which was spaced apart from each other.
Part 2 was the physical representation of my condition. Each person was let into the heavily brightened room one at a time. Inside the room was one chair where the viewer could sit and stay as long as they wanted to.
Whilst coming to terms with my Social Anxiety, I had to look back to my past to see where it all could have come from. I realised that the search for my past had to begin with finding my inner child. This proved to be difficult as I had very little memory of myself as a child. I found that the adult part of me was holding something back, I was being too sensible and "adult". To represent my search I had adults holding a present box which had the recording of my daughter repeating to come and find me. I also wanted the adults to become childish along with me and turned the pursuit into a game. The performance was held outside so as to be free of all adult constraints and return the adults to a freer state of mind.