Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Eclipses of Identity


 

 

Eclipses of Identity

For my video performance, I orchestrated a captivating display by setting up a simulated stage within the dormitory hallway where I reside. This pseudo stage served as a canvas for me to transform into a living artwork, inviting both students and staff to witness and interpret my identity through their perspectives. My focus was on presenting the intricate facets of who I am, navigating the complexities of self-perception, and allowing viewers to explore my identity through their own lenses.

Within the realms of this performance, I chose to distill my multifaceted identity into three distinct characters: the homebody, the church girl, and the baddie. The homebody represents the private and comfortable side of myself that is rarely exposed to the external world. Here, I freely embrace my true self, adorned in attire that might seem eccentric to others but reflects my genuine comfort in my own skin. On the other hand, the church girl embodies the facet of my identity that I hold in high regard. This character exudes confidence and independence, presenting myself in a poised and impressively dressed manner that resonates with a strong sense of self-worth.

However, the baddie character delves into a side of myself that I find challenging, where I exhibit my body to assert a bold presence rather than seeking personal satisfaction. Despite my reluctance, this identity manifests in a desire to showcase my allure and demand attention—typically unfolding in a club setting. Through this performance, I aimed to offer a glimpse into the dynamic interplay of these three identities, urging the audience to contemplate the various dimensions that constitute my sense of self.

My video performance draws inspiration from Yoko Ono's groundbreaking work, "Cut Piece." Much like Ono's exploration of vulnerability and audience participation, my piece seeks to unravel layers of identity through a visually compelling experience. By setting up a faux stage in my dormitory hallway, I echo Ono's concept of transforming a space into a canvas for personal expression. The act of allowing viewers to observe and interpret my identity, much like the participatory nature of "Cut Piece," invites introspection and challenges societal norms. Just as Ono's work transcended traditional boundaries, my performance endeavors to prompt a thoughtful dialogue about self-perception and the diverse ways in which identity can be manifested and observed.

My video aligns with Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece" by delving into the complexities of identity and fostering audience engagement. Inspired by Ono's avant-garde approach, my piece mirrors her innovative use of space as a canvas for personal expression. Similar to Ono's vulnerability in letting others cut away parts of her clothing, my performance invites viewers to actively observe and interpret my identity. The carefully constructed setting serves as a dynamic platform for audience interaction, my video makes people think about how look and who I am connected. It's like a modern conversation inspired by Yoko Ono's work where she showed a lot about herself. I want viewers to actively think about me and join in the conversation, just like Ono did with her audience.  

This quote relates to my video. It says, "The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe." So, in my video performance, it means that how people see and understand my identity is influenced by what they already know or believe about me. It's like saying everyone has their ideas and perspectives, and that affects how they interpret what's happening in my video. The quote is about how the audience's background and beliefs shape how they see and react to my performance, making it a unique and varied experience for each person. 


References

Berger, Ways of Seeing Chapter 1



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