durational performance and installation
installation, massage (touch), aromatherapy (smell), mint (taste), 26 audio files played on an iPod shuffle (sound)
3 days for 3-5hrs each day
location: SCOPE Miami Art Fair booth, as a part of the Performance SCOPE program
image above: the press release image
Description: Weary-eyed art fair goers were offered a visual escape through the healing art of massage. As in “Untitled (Dunk Tank with Milk),” I required the audience to pay a minimum of a dollar for their participation in the work, simultaneously rejecting the position of the artist as service provider, and invoking a critique of the populism banner under which contemporary museum audience expansion has reaffirmed Art as a privileged experience.
Instead of being treated to a relaxing break from the hustle of an art fair, participants are forced to listen not just to soothing nature music typical of massage parlors, but they are also confronted with auditory messages (played on an iPod shuffle) that mirror popular desire for Art to be a luxury escape from reality.
Press Release:
Experience the Art of Massage at the Scope Miami Art Fair
Renowned for the artistry of her healing touch, Miss Kathryn Cornelius will be on hand to work your body, mind and spirit into a state of deep relaxation. After a short self-evaluation, Miss Cornelius will select a unique blend of aromatherapy and massage techniques suited for your personal needs. During the massage, you will be taken on an auditory journey by listening to a soothing collection of nature sounds, instrumental music, and special meditations instilled with uplifting messages of peace, love, and happiness. With little commitment to buy (massage services are only $1 per minute), you owe it to yourself to experience the holistic Art of Massage.
Let go and indulge! Renew yourself today!
image above: performance still
image above: performance still