ENGAGEMENT ARTWORK No. 1

An Invitation to be A Body of Art

If you're reading this, we've probably already spoken. Thank you for following the thread. What’s next is a little more about what I mentioned, and what I'm actually asking.

Engagement Artwork No. 1 is a series where humans are the artwork. Not an experiential performance, but more like an exhibition. The 'art' itself, is the actual experience between the artwork and the visitor that explores the question of what authenticity actually is, in a world with layers of pretense and a lack of attention to be very real. So real that it’s you can actually say what you think, without trying to prove a point, hold back or influence the other.

To make this work, I explore with the artwork in preparatory studio time, how much they can remove the social conventions of normal conversation. How much can they engage with a new person and really be present with both themself and the other. Then from that place, you will practice engaging with a ‘visitor’ without trying to prove anything, influence, or worry about niceties or mannerisms. Once this becomes more second nature, we’re ready to do so in a gallery.

Why did I ask you specifically, you might wonder?

I'm interested in working with humans who have cultivated enough acceptance of both self and of the world around them: so much so, that their self-awareness will guide them to not make layered statements. In other words, the work needs to avoid saying things that are actually saying something else. (In such a case, it would be better to say nothing.) I aim to work in a practice of directly saying what you think. This experience is a unique space where such a thing is possible and welcomed.

Is this something that interests you? You know yourself best, of course. But in any event, you were asked because it seems a) you may be someone who is ‘even’ enough to operate with people who are very differently minded - or in some cases less emotionally in tune - with not so much of a need to prove anything to them. And b) you may also be someone who is interested in exploring what authenticity means in its most humble, raw, un-performative form.

If so, this might be a mutually interesting growth opportunity for you, myself, and the visitors of the exhibition. The next step would be a first conversation where I'm happy to answer any questions you have about expectations or logistics, though it may be easier to discuss in person. But feel free to send questions before we meet as well. Thank you for your interest.

Best,

Micah Kessel | micahkessel.com | micahkessel@gmail.com