Street -(AB) experiment
Street -(AB) is an experiment in the public space that indulges in awareness of everyday self performance and protocol of behaviour. This description is a guide for readers to participate as active audience members of the art work.
The Experiment: To take A and B out of the commutes equation.
To find a junction of two medium size avenues, preferably with traffic lights and zebra crossings within your daily commute.
Start a timer for yourself to 45-60 min.
Start walking around the junction, crossing all the way around until being back at the starting point. Keep doing that until the timer rings.
You are allowed to turn around and change the direction of your walking around at any time you wish but must continue walking. You are allowed to both wait for the traffic lights to change or not wait. You are encouraged to be as your most normal commuting self.
Discussion:
Considering one would rarely walk in squares under a different scenario, it is easy to identify the performatic nature of the experiment. It is also an almost invisible performance, as the participant does and acts as most commuters on the surrounding, creating a high awareness of everyday performance.
What the experiment aims to achieve is to bring to attention the facts behind the conscious and subconscious performance of the self. To pick up on the constructed protocols of navigation, which becomes the social choreography of the public space. Taking a step back, it is inviting the audience to question what behaviours are constructed and which are genuine; What are your self’s negotiations with the collective around you.
