Exquisite Tension, 2006, Video
- Medium
- Single-channel HD colour video with sound and archive colour photographic print
- Dimensions
- Video duration: 4 minutes Photographic print: 70 x 99 x 1.5 cm


Exquisite Tension is a single-channel video that emerged out of a workshop residency with performance artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña / La Pocha Nostra, where participants were asked to respond to ideas of difference and commonality.
The artist responded by plaiting her hair to that of the co-respondent performance artist Richard Hancock. To be able to see at a distance what had taken place, she later decided to re-visit the exercise for camera and invited curator of public performance works, Adelaide Bannerman to take her place.
The resulting work directly references ‘Rope Piece’ (1983-1984) by artists Linda Montano and Techching Hsieh, and furthers explores Boyce's interest in the conceptual and socially-engaged works of Adrian Piper, Valie Export and Stanley Brouwn.
Related theme: Performance

BENEVOLENCE
2024

Put Your Hands Together
2024

Yes, I Hear You
2022

In the Mix: Alexandra B’s Dress
2022
FEELING HER WAY
2022

In the Mix: Shirley Songs
2022

In the Mix: Skunk Sputnik
2022

Ain't Misbehavin'
2022

In the Mix: Hippy Liberty
2022

In the Mix: Disciples Together
2022

Family Gorgeous Smudged
2022

In the Mix: Mel & Kim Respect
2022

On My Way
2022

Sheila Chandra / Ever so lonely MONSOON
2021

Sade / The Sweetest Taboo
2021

Shirley Bassey / Goldfinger
2021

Miss Elizabeth Welch 1933 – 1940 / a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square
2021

P. P. Arnold / Just call me angel of the morning
2021

Polystyrene / X-ray Spex OH BONDAGE UP YOURS!
2021

The Audition
1997 - printed 2018

Six Acts
2018

We move in her way
2017

Just One Minute More
2016-2022

Paper Tiger Whisky Soap Theatre (Dada Nice)
2016

Exquisite Cacophony
2015

Move
2013

Dance of Belém
2011

Gather:Justicia
2010

Oh Adelaide (with Ain Bailey)
2010

Taken
2009

Devotional Wallpaper and Placards
2008 - 2018

Drift
2008

Crop Over
2007

For you, only you
2007

Exquisite Tension
2006

1930s to 1960s – The Rivington Place Portfolio
2006

Devotional II
2005

Devotional, 2004
2004
Related theme: Participatory / Collaboration

BENEVOLENCE
2024

Yes, I Hear You
2022

Ain't Misbehavin'
2022
FEELING HER WAY
2022

Family Gorgeous Smudged
2022

The Audition in Colour
1997 - printed 2020

In the Castle of My Skin
2020 - 2021

The Audition
1997 - printed 2018

Six Acts
2018

We move in her way
2017

Paper Tiger Whisky Soap Theatre (Dada Nice)
2016

Exquisite Cacophony
2015

Move
2013

Dance of Belém
2011

Gather:Justicia
2010

Oh Adelaide (with Ain Bailey)
2010

Taken
2009

Devotional Wallpaper and Placards
2008 - 2018

Drift
2008

Crop Over
2007

For you, only you
2007

Exquisite Tension
2006

Devotional II
2005

Devotional, 2004
2004

Tongues
1997

Untitled (Kiss)
1995

They're Almost Like Twins
1995
Related theme: Hair

Plaited & Knotted
1995-2024

Circular Short Plaits - Starburst
1993-2024

One Leg of Tights Stuffed with Hair
1993-2024

Plait, Red & Blue Bauble at Ends
1993-2024

Circular Plait with Multi-Coloured Hair Clips
1993-2024

Braided Hair Wallpaper
2023

The Audition in Colour
1997 - printed 2020

The Audition
1997 - printed 2018

Exquisite Tension
2006

Black Female Hairstyles
1995

Head I (Skin) / Head II (Dread)
1995

Hair Objects Grid
1994 (printed 2016)

Afro Blanket
1994

Three Legs of Tights Stuffed with Afro Hair
1994 (printed 2015)

Hair Objects
1993