Dérive 2000-2002
In my last installation
Transhumance, Trebor Sholtz made the analogy of my work to that
of the Situationists. After giving it some thought I had concluded that
my physical travels and life paralleled their game of wanderings, the
Dérive.
The idea of surrending your life temporarily to the changing surroundings
and remaining completely open to the natural environment as well as cultural
and soci-political regions made for an incredibly stimulating time in
my life. To take a complete break from my art 'career' or events, throw
away my belongings, leave my apartment, friends and family was, to be
honest, refreshing. To live without a watch or calendar or schedule was
rejuvenating. As an artist freedom is key and on the road that freedom
was transformed into a search for purity. Much which is found in the ancient
ways of life.
Over the course of 2 1/2 years I traveled through many countries including:
Thailand, Myanmar, India via Bangladesh, Malasia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam,
Cambodia, China, England, Yemen, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Upon returning
to New York which was depressed from the economy and 9-11, I suffered
symptoms of a prolonged Dérive. It is near impossible to abandon
your stationary life and not be uprooted and imbalanced upon return. Only
a true nomad can be constantly on the move and find his stability in motion.
I could only claim to be a part-time nomad.
Showing
video with Mentawai
Siberut Island, Sumatra, Indonesia, '01
I wrote many email
descriptions of funny stories and much of my video was encorporated in
my performance work. Many friends asked to see the video and listen to
stories. Finally, I have put up images and text from my travels. Enjoy!
| Myanmar India Vietnam Ethiopia Laos Tanzania |