Turquoisation: For the coming storm
Te Tuhi Gallery, Pakuranga, Auckland
13/08/2016 - 13/08/2016
Production Details
Turquoisation: For the coming storm is a performance installation within a group show which is part of a larger exhibition and series of related events collectively titled Share/Cheat/Unite which explores the unsettling and liberating nature of social behaviour and runs at te Tuhi and associated locations from 13 August 2016 – 23 October 2016.
Share/Cheat/Unite is intended to be a forum to scrutinise current artistic practice by questioning: What role do art objects and documentation play in addressing the social? How do artists utilise conversation as a tool when working in a social capacity? And, what social function does the live context play in art?
Share/Cheat/Unite is also an experiment in curatorial practice by intentionally seeking out an emergent proposition rather than a didactic theme. For instance, some of the selected works are inadvertently related to the topic and others could be perceived as a resistance to or a contradiction within the curatorial premise. In the commissioning process, the artists and other participants have been invited to debate, collaborate and even direct the curatorial framing. The concept of the show is also intended to contribute towards a type of long-term conversation with other curators and art organisations. As part of this initiative, a different show of the same name is planned to be curated in 2017 by Balamohan Shingade at the Malcolm Smith Gallery, Auckland. Through this curatorial approach, it is hoped that the exhibition might become an unpredictable forum that unfolds over time to encourage discussion and participation.
In October 2016, Share/Cheat/Unite also features a series of live offsite commissions across Auckland that aim to entice, empower and confound. These include projects by artists Darcell Apelu, Mark Harvey, Ivan Mršić, John Vea and an ambiguous movement called YOUAREHEREWEAREHERE. Stay tuned to Te Tuhi’s website and social media for updates on these live events.
Performers Lisa Greenfield, Chancy Rattanong, Claire O’Neil, Adrian Smith, Ivan Mrsic, Val Smith, Kristian Larsen and Sara Cowdell.
Performance installation , Performance Art , Theatre ,
2 hours
Touched by Turquoisation
Review by Christina Houghton 15th Aug 2016
Turquoisation is a way of being. It is a mind set. It is a transformation.
Once you have been touched by Turquoisation, the vibrant materiality of your body and being will become one with those also touched.
Turquoisation: For the coming storm’ is choreographic participatory (Live art) that might be considered a comment on the formation of society through coercive new age collective actions and gentle persuations. It is a collaboration in action, a negotiation through space by a shady (pastel) group (consisting of local performing artists), who cheat the space and its protocols, (s)tealing free labour for a cheap spectacle that intersects, interrupts and participates in opening event for the Exhibition entitled Share/Cheat/Unite. The exhibition, in three parts – an international group show, a research initative, and a series of live works – is interested in revealing the more shady motives towards the greater good.
Mark Harvey’s work unites performers and audience within a bolt of turquoise fabric, offering protection from what is about to come, and a promise of something to share that is not quite explained but it has something to do with touch. Bordering on being slightly uncomfortable, personal spaces become one within a shaded room that consists of a video of yet another group of local performers enacting group actions to be followed. As the performance morphs and progresses, these activities move throughout the various gallery spaces including the outer courtyard.
I become part of the group for a while and my role is blurred from spectator to performer, however I’m not dressed appropriately, so I break off and head back for another drink and a chat and I watch the Turquoisation continue from afar.
Like most of Harvey’s performance events, the durational nature of the work means there is the point where the kids take over and the performance becomes its own awkward guest. I wonder what is this Turquoise Nation? A cult of (not) dance?, a place to play?, a place to protest?, or a place to join or resist? All this is on offer, so take it or leave it as you will. But you will be touched regardless.
Turquoisation: for the coming storm will continue to develop throughout the exhibition period and there will be further installments around Auckland City until October 24th.
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