Passive / Resistance

2008
PERFORMANCE, VIDEO 
DURATION: 5:10

A physical exchange of blows demonstrates the heroics and absurdity of the Passive Resistance techniques used in the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960s. A white man repeatedly slaps as the artist, as the latter endures the brutality. The rhythm of the exchange intensifies, driving a physical dialogue. The viewer becomes complicit as the ‘beat down’ comes to a sudden end, as both performers look to the silent witness.

PERFORMERS
Jefferson Pinder
Matthew Ravensthal

Performance, VideoLeaf SilverCivil Rights, brutality, rhythm, dialogue, complicity, silence