Boston, MA, USA
http://jessicaborusky.blogspot.com/
http://vimeo.com/user3253217
9/13/2010 - Original Proposal:
“Seeking Arrangement”
As an artist that produces ephemeral experiences, I often mention a desire to “find a man” who will pay for my lifestyle. A few months ago, I saw that idea through by creating a profile on a website that muddles the line between dating and sex work. These profiles either seek a “sugar daddy” or “mama” and, though the network is monitored, what happens outside, be it email or dating, is not. My profile outlined my exact needs: money to be a student and artist- and, what materialized from this experience was a realization regarding the negotiations artists regularly encounter in order to produce/make money. Albeit this is relatively literal; how much was I in the position of artist, how much prostitution? In other words: issues of control.
The performance seeks to unpack not only that negotiation but also the issue of authenticity. Though I recontextualize my actions via artwork, I recognize that I am still enacting them- much like the reality of performance. And, no matter how much I knew that my actions with men directly contributed to my art- financially and conceptually- I couldn't quite dismiss the fact that I was engaging in sexual work. Similarly- in the context of performance, whatever I choose to do or say- those choices are real, no matter how much original intent can be symbolic.
Performance: through a pre-recorded monologue, I will unpack the issues I discovered along the way: from the art project's inception to the moment that the audience is watching and listening to me in real time. While the monologue plays, I will be undressing to my underwear- at which point, the monologue intensifies: through content, volume, and percussive voice. When that crux occurs, I will run to the glass wall, press myself against it- push away, run to the opposite end of the performance space- lay horizontally in a plank position, and repeat until the monologue ends.
The performance is ten minutes with an accompanying Zine (to be distributed to the audience) including a copy of my website profile, text from the monologue, and between men and myself.
9/18/2010 - Performance on Opening Night:
Videotaped by Valerie Moon:
Seeking Arrangement: Jessica Borusky @Mobius from MobiusArtistsGroup on Vimeo.
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