HAUNTED
Inside an abandoned house at the previous airbase Værløse in Denmark, a captivating art installation took shape. With meticulous attention to detail, I crafted an immersive environment that would serve as the backdrop for a thought-provoking 20-minute performance.
In this enigmatic setting, I chose to present myself to the audience, dressed in nothing but underwear. This deliberate vulnerability was meant to symbolize the rawness and openness of the human experience, stripped down to its essence.
As the performance unfolded, a haunting speech resonated through the speakers, filling the space with its weighty words. I, the performer, became the vessel through which this narrative flowed. The voice, which was mine, recounted my personal journey in search of a divine presence, exploring various religions in an attempt to find solace and meaning.
However, the tale took a poignant turn, revealing the fruitlessness of my quest for a higher power. Despite my earnest endeavors, I remained unable to connect with a god, feeling adrift in a world devoid of transcendence. The frustration and longing that permeated the speech mirrored the profound existential questions that often haunt our collective consciousness.
Suddenly, in a pivotal moment, the performance veered towards the unexpected. Drawn towards a broken window, I allowed my body to interact with the jagged glass, a metaphorical representation of the pain and suffering that can arise from our search for purpose. As the sharp edges met my flesh, a profound transformation occurred. The physical pain manifested as a powerful scent of blood, permeating the space and engulfing the senses.
This olfactory assault served as a visceral reminder of the sacrifices and wounds one might endure in their quest for understanding and spirituality. The juxtaposition of the delicate vulnerability of the human form and the harshness of the broken window created a powerful visual and emotional tableau, evoking a profound sense of empathy and introspection within the audience.
The performance concluded, leaving its spectators contemplative, perhaps questioning their own quests for meaning and the inherent sacrifices that accompany such pursuits. It was an artful exploration of the human condition, inviting viewers to confront their own desires for connection, spirituality, and the enduring mysteries of existence.
As the echoes of the performance faded into the silence of the abandoned house, its impact remained etched in the memories and thoughts of those who bore witness to this visceral and thought-provoking artistic endeavor.
Please see more installation views here
