Hang
Røst, Norway
Performance: 2 hours 48 mins
Editioned Inkjet Photographs by Singer Editions
2017
Røst, Norway
Performance: 2 hours 48 mins
Editioned Inkjet Photographs by Singer Editions
2017
This performance is a response to seeing a landscape of hanging dead Cod in the Lofoten Islands. I hang with the fish for community spectators who wished to watch on the island of Røst in Norway. At times, I would pass out as my strength was diminishing, leaving me almost unable to release myself until the 2hr and 48 min mark. It is an effort to change current fishing practices.
For centuries Norway has sustainably fished cod. Now however, supply and demand increases have risen thus eliminating independent fisher-peoples eco-friendly methods. It is now dominated by these commercial fleets who drag large nets behind them catching nearly everything in its path. The success rate of this process is not only low but it also terminates many other species of fish. This is known as bycatch. It effects both the seas and the air as well as our lands.
For centuries Norway has sustainably fished cod. Now however, supply and demand increases have risen thus eliminating independent fisher-peoples eco-friendly methods. It is now dominated by these commercial fleets who drag large nets behind them catching nearly everything in its path. The success rate of this process is not only low but it also terminates many other species of fish. This is known as bycatch. It effects both the seas and the air as well as our lands.
Journal Entries
Upon arrival to the island:
Sickened by the sight of death I want to hang. We have to feel something other than need...
Waiting to begin:
A giant bird just perched on my window; IT even looks cold...Does this town sleep, how can it? It's nearing 2 p.m. and I need to begin. I'm scared or nervous or excited - hard to tell.
Post-performance:
Dried guts and scales cut my numb skin and that fucking wind left me raw. I hate nylon rope...never have I felt so vulnerable.
Sickened by the sight of death I want to hang. We have to feel something other than need...
Waiting to begin:
A giant bird just perched on my window; IT even looks cold...Does this town sleep, how can it? It's nearing 2 p.m. and I need to begin. I'm scared or nervous or excited - hard to tell.
Post-performance:
Dried guts and scales cut my numb skin and that fucking wind left me raw. I hate nylon rope...never have I felt so vulnerable.
Research Photos
Cod, by the tens of thousands, hang to dry under unchanged primitive structures.
Cod, by the tens of thousands, hang to dry under unchanged primitive structures.