Touched lightly is an immersive installation of medium scale ‘performance objects’ lit as a theatrical/night club arena, resulting in a documentary video of a performance which took place at Andrew Baker Art Dealer, Brisbane, September 2020
The objects, hand formed by the artist using rudimentary tools, began as a reflection on simple manipulations of a prosaic material (aluminium flat bar) and the artists aging body and diminishing strength. Exploring the erotic potential of abstract forms, the artist chose the sexually charged agony of the 'Laocoon group" sculpture as a point of departure for these new works, each object having been ‘wrestled’ into existence. Developed during a period of social isolation due to COVID 19, the artist optimistically imagines a time when touching no longer poses a risk to public safety.
Coming out as queer during the height of the HIV crisis, the artist draws parallels between COVID 19 and the fear of HIV infection which resulted in a fear of sexual intimacy amongst the Queer community in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The lighting of these works is theatrical and dramatic, the objects casting multiple intertwining shadows on the floor, expanding the reach of each object, mimicking the ability of ‘the virus’ to transmit even without touch and the nature of physical attraction.
The video documentary was recorded at a one night only event in September 2020, a small (COVID safe) audience was invited to participate in an unscripted ‘performance’. This collaborative project involved live interpretive music and undirected videography. The entire performance is presented as a documentary style film. The artist chose this occasion to further explore personal narratives and psychology, choosing to remove all traces of codified gender signifiers (clothing) offering an imperfect body up for scrutiny, becoming another object amongst the assemblage and ‘coming out’ once again, and inviting others to join.
Stills Photography: Louis Lim
Camera; Charlie Hillhouse, Jeremy Virag
Sound Track: Kahl Montecone, Adam Cadell
Special thanks to: Jordan Azcune, Anastasia Booth, Nicolette Johnson, Anna Marques, Ingrid Richards
This project was supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and BEMAC
Process photographs: Jordan Azcune
