Performance Art Project

Kristen and decided to focus on a heavier subject for our performance art project. We decided to base this project off of the organization, Love146. This organization's goal is to end human trafficking by taking down brothels and rehabilitating the victims. We dressed in torn clothes, applied makeup to look like bruises, and messed up our hair to resemble someone who has been through a lot. We walked around campus like this and filmed the students' reactions. It was quite disappointing. We got weird looks and even a few laughs as we walked around.

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.

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.

Another 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.


Inspired by

https://love146.org/