Face Me, 2018. Paris, France. 

Living artist, Black costume, Mirror face headgear

Description:
My performance, Face Me, is a reaction to the new law passed in several European countries that makes covering your face in public.

To antagonize the law, I have developed a mirror face, which I will wear. And in theory stealing the exposed face of who ever challenges me. (But in essence still breaking the law).

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Reflection: I staged this performance with the help of a friend of a friend. I’d never met her until this day. She agreed to host me while I got my material together and planned my movements. She walked me from her home to Place de la République down the road. Place de la République is famous gathering ground in Paris. It’s hosted multiple protest including the occupy movement earlier in the decade. The square is not too far from Café Bonne Bière, the bistro hit by the wave of coordinated attacks in Paris Nov. 2015. While we walked. I couldn’t see anything. My face was fully covered by my mask. This face covering was in direct opposition to Law of 2010-1192: Act prohibiting concealment of the face in public space. A law that the UN found to overwhelming effects women potentially "confining them to their homes, impeding their access to public services and marginalizing them." A reactionary law to the times. My mask was a mirror. And although my face was concealed, I thought that I would adopt the face of others who’d approach and challenge me. I’d have a face- a shared one. When they’d look they’d see us- themselves- the world behind and beyond. An expansive space of impossible assemblages, containing all, holding nothing- they’d see the deepest freedom. Before I arrived in France, I thought a lot about what I’d do if the police approached me. I had a plan in place and comfortable with what may happen. I was given some last warnings- be careful- tensions are high. My hand was released- fear set in. There was another protest underway at the square- be careful- people are upset. “If the police approach you just take the mask off” I nod to acknowledge that I heard. I had no intention of taking off my mask until the performance was over. I walked by my own to the center of the square. I was afraid. I carried on. I made circles around the fountain in the center. A fountain that carried a statue of Marianne, the personification of the republic. She is surrounded by Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.


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