Tracing someone else's skin

Luzar, R (2019) Tracing someone else's skin. In: Reversed, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, 8 April 2019.

Item Type:	Performance
Creators:	Luzar, R
Abstract:	This work uses images of 'body marks' found by first browsing on the Web. The URL and thumbnails browsed are printed on paper. Using markers, co-performers trace the marks onto the artist’s body, while he also reads out the URL and browsing information. Audiences are told that the marks are from the bodies of people found randomly on the Web, people that have no direct relationship to the artist, co-performers or the audience. The performance ‘ends’ by erasing the marks and also reclothing. The 'marks' range from, and are not exclusive to, birth marks, scars, marathon numbers, skin cancer, self-harm, surgery markings, gay/straight/LGBTQ tattoos, left- and right-wing political tattoos etc. Audiences are open to interpret whether the marks are of any particular person, gender, race, or subject. In the end, the marks are ‘erased’ by washing away the ink from the artist’s skin, followed by him putting clothing back on. Tracing becomes an act of marking but, fundamentally, erasing. This act puts more visibility on the body. Visible and invisible, structures and desires, biases and preconceptions, race and ideology; these are some elements that audiences are open to interpret.
Official URL:	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUvlbgNoHTQ&t=1s
Date:	April 2019
Event Location:	University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
Additional Locations:	The Nunnery Gallery, London, UK
Note:	First performed by Robert Luzar at the live-art and performance event 'Reversed' at University of Bristol, UK, on 8th April 2019. The performance was supported by Nu Nu Theatre and LAPER with video documentation by Natalia Plejic. Subsequently included in 'Visions in the Nunnery', a renowned biennial exhibition of moving image, digital and performance art at The Nunnery Gallery, London in 2020. Photographic documentation from this event was by Rob Harris, courtesy of Nunnery Gallery. It was performed live by Robert Luzar with Timo Kube.
Divisions:	Bath School of Art, Film and Media
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2023 16:04
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2023 16:04

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