Ilyssa Galloway invites members of the artistic community and the public to participate in “A Happening to Personify the Pandemic, Conversing with COVID” (“CWC”). “CWC” is a demonstration/performance art piece happening 6 p.m. Saturday, October 24 in Jackson Square. Galloway hopes to “provide an outlet for those who have not only been quarantined physically, but creatively.”
“It is evident that we are amidst tumultuous times yet it is no excuse to wait for permission to express ourselves,” says Galloway. “Many individuals have been faced with the disconcerting reality that that which they dedicated their life to, in a matter of days, has been deemed ‘nonessential,’ all due to what is defined as a virus. Webster’s Dictionary defines virus as ‘an infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.’ Ironically, CWC’s aim is to act as a virus but not to spread harm but to heal. If this is the new normal then it is imperative that we take ownership of our crafts by reminding ourselves and others that we express ourselves not in order to breathe, but in order to enjoy each breath.”
Prior to the performance date, all who are participating will receive a red balloon. This will serve as the main unifying element in the piece. On October 24, all individuals will wear black with one accent of red whether that be a scarf, bandana, shoes, etc. to symbolize the genesis of the virus. Individuals will stand six feet apart in the square and at 6pm will remove their mask and commence with the piece they choose to share/perform. Participants are encouraged to use any medium they choose to communicate through (song, dance, monologue, poem, instrument, etc.) for the duration of 5 minutes. If the participant does not have a particular piece they want to share, they are invited to stand in silence during the 5 minutes as a representation of those who have lost their voice since the pandemic took place. At the end of the 5 minutes, participants will take their red balloon, blow it up and tie it off signifying the containment of germs in a specific location. After participants tie off their balloon they will then be free to leave the square holding their balloon and carry on with their evening. The imagery of several red dots spreading in all different directions is symbolic to the spread of COVID and the unpredictability of where it can/will travel to moment by moment.
To sign up and learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/conversingwithcovid.
