instructions

Instructions sent to three people who told me that they love me

Timecode at DCA

I was very inspired by the David Lamelas performance... here is a wee excerpt from the instructions for the performance we participated in:

Time, 1970

This work can be activated for a maximum of three times during the 24 hours of each day.

In an exhibition context it should be treated as a permanent event for the entire duration of the show.

The work can be activated indoors or outdoors.

A line has to be laid on the floor; using self-adhesive tape or chalk string. The length of the line will depend on the space, with a minimum of 8 metres (for approx. 20 persons); it can be parallel to the wall or diagonal in the space.

A notice should indicate when the work will be reactivated.

A number of visitors are invited to participate in the piece.

The participants stand on the line, shoulder to shoulder, facing the same direction.

The meaning and functioning of the work are explained to them.

The person designated as first in line gives the start time at the minute to the next person in the line.

That person receives the time, keeps it for 60 seconds and then passes it on to the next participant. And so on until it reaches the last person in the line, who after 60 seconds announces the end time to the world.

All participants should stay on the line for the entire duration of the event. The time can be announced in whatever language the participant prefers.

a wee note on Lamelas from the DCA literature:

Lamelas represented Argentina in the Venice Biennale in 1968 with a piece that referenced the Vietnam war. It was here that he met and connected with Marcel Broodthaers and later instigated his move to Europe. He then studied at St. Martin's School of Art. It was during his time in England, whilst using photograph and text as material, that Lamelas began working in film and performative practice.

SNOW PIECE (1963)

Think that snow is falling. Think that snow is falling everywhere all the time. When you talk with a person, think that snow is falling between you and on the person. Stop conversing when you think the person is covered by snow.

Yoko Ono http://www.a-i-u.net/index.html