A REAL CONVERSATION IN TWO PARTS: PART I

Chalkboard wall, mirrored wall, chalk, willing participants

2017

Part I of two participatory installations created during Namkung’s artist residency at the Palo Alto Arts Center for the exhibition PLAY! curated by Selene Foster. Part I involved two participants doing a simultaneous Wall Sit Drawing, making an effort to mirror one another’s drawing movements. More info below.

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PART I

Instructions:

  1. Find a partner.

  2. Starting with your breath, come into presence with your body and with one another.

  3. Grab one piece of chalk in each hand. Sit side-by-side against the chalkboard with your legs forming a 90-degree angle. Straddle the centering line and place your feet hip-width apart, pointing forward. Your ankles should be directly below your knees, so that your lower leg is perpendicular to the floor. Press your sacrum (tailbone), back, and head against the wall.

  4. Playfully explore your range of motion and the possibilities of markmaking on the wall behind you. Avoid the temptation to draw symbols like pictures and words. Move as one, mirroring each other’s movements as closely as possible. Allow yourself to enter a different kind of conversation, or dance. Be willing to both lead and follow and allow for those roles to switch at any time.

  5. As you go, the pain in your quadriceps will increase in intensity. As your discomfort increases, stay present, support each other and allow the discomfort to exist between you. Allow your vulnerability into the conversation and explore the limits of your mutual discomfort. Push yourselves, and listen to your body so you know when to stop.

For A REAL CONVERSATION, PART II, CLICK HERE.