My preliminary proposal for a 'retread' of an art performance is to revisit the early performances of Chris Burden and Vito Acconci. What I propose is an action that constrains and limits my physical body in an extremely confined space for a set duration of time. Both artists' seminal early performances involved placing themselves in confined spaces - for Burden a school locker, for Acconci under a platform in a gallery - for an uncomfortable period of time. Both performances also challenged the authority and importance of the presence of the artist in relation to their artistic activity, since in both cases the audiences never actually saw the artist and had to assume their presence.
Therefore I propose to have myself sealed in a wooden crate used for shipping art.
The crate is vertical and stands just over 6 feet tall with rolling casters and handles. The sealed crate with me inside will be wheeled into a public space by an assistant - perhaps into the CFA atrium - and the class will be given written instructions to transport the container to a predetermined site. Upon arrival the tools necessary for opening the crate will be available and it will be up to the members of the class to complete the action by setting me 'free' from the crate, completing the act of delivery.
The reason for confining my body in this way updates the earlier anti-performances of Burden and Acconci, while also forcing me to face the fact that I'm a control freak. Being contained in a claustrophobic and confining space and left to the whims of unseen individuals is something that I am uncomfortable with. Even though instructions are provided I am giving up a large degree of agency while sealed in the crate. I have to trust the participants to free me.
The exact duration of this action will be determined by how efficiently the class executes my instructions.
Delivery directions
1. accept delivery at CFA 232
2. take to Arts Office across the walkway in CFA 202
3. get into the Freight Elevator across from the Arts Office
4. take elevator down to the 1st Flo
5. go to the Atrium
6. pass through the Men's Bathroom along the way
7. pass in front of the Food Concession and across the Atrium
8. go outside to the Smoking Area
9. circle back inside the Atrium
10. get back into the Freight Elevator
11. take elevator down to the Basement
12. turn left towards the long hall connecting the CFA to the Athletics Center
13. go all the way down the hallway and up the ramp to the Loading Dock
14. turn around and go back the way you came
15. turn right and head back toward the Freight Elevator
16. pass the elevator and continue down the hallway
17. turn left through a set of double doors
18. turn left again and follow to B19 on your left
19. deliver crate into studio B19
20. make a decision
