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, 2006. Single-channel HD colour video with sound and archive colour photographic print. 70 x 99 x 1.5 cm. 4 minutes

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

Related theme: Participatory / Collaboration

Related theme: Hair