It's tough to imagine escaping "the fascism of gravity" for 24 hours, let alone what it will be like on Brian Feldman's feet.
The performance artist begins his take off and take on the original "Jumpista" video concept on Thursday night at the Atlantic Center for the Arts. He is going to jump in place for a full day--yes, literally--for an interpretation of a 1999 "mockumentary" created at the center during an Italy/U.S. Cultural Exchange, Darden Celebration of Cultures.
The physical feat, padded by a sole pillow, is a prelude to the center's "INsideOUT" program, an evening for the public to meet performance artists in residency and see their work in a live theater setting. The center's 134th Artists-in-Residence program unites 27 artists and associates from throughout the country and as far away as Ireland and Taiwan.
Feldman, an associate artist from Orlando, joins the crew of performance masters; Mark Applebaum, music composition; Carole Kim, live video/installation; and Heather Woodbury, playwriting. (For more info on the artists and the Atlantic Center click here)
INsideOUT happens several times a year, but this program promises to be a very exciting night with a mix of musicians, composers, live video performance, video installation and playwriting.
"Because the residency is so performance based, it should be a very lively INsideOUT," said Kelle Groom, communications manager for the Atlantic Center for the Arts. "We'll start in the studios and we'll move into the theater for the performances. It should probably be more collaborative than usual."
Groom also said it's safe to say the Atlantic Center has never had a marathon exhibit like Feldman's, which officially begins Thursday night, but won't be open to the public until Friday at 10 a.m.
To understand his idea, check out "Jumpista" on YouTube, where Enrico Corte, a widely respected painter from Italy, acts as a performance artist
whose "ultimate intent is to not return, to escape the fascism of gravity" through "the art of Jumpista." It takes place at the Atlantic Center, where Corte was enrolled in a residency program.
"The character in the movie, he's using it as a way to escape the boundaries of gravity, reach and touch the sky and keep floating up," Feldman said. "I agree with what (Corte) said in the video, but at the same time it's just about what we're capable of."
Of course, you're free (and encouraged) to make your own interpretation. (It's satire, people. Don't take it too seriously!)
Unlike Corte, Feldman will be jumping once about every minute, or multiple times depending on the crowd. No napping or eating--with the exception of a possible energy bar, to prevent, er um... a projectile performance.
"The reptition is a concern and staying awake," Feldman said.
He's been preparing for the "24 Hour Jump" by biking, running and climbing stairs, but is also no stranger to such antics. He organizes giant pillow fights in public parks (see PillowLANDO) and in February 2008 he performed a "Leap Year Day" piece, where he leapt off a 12-foot ladder once every 4 minutes for a total of 366 times--once for every day of Leap Year.
"When I compare it to that project, I'm thinking this is a little more manageable," he said.
Anthony Torres, an Orlando screenwriter and director of "Jumpista," said the video is meant to be a series of art jokes.
Feldman seems to be deconstructing the idea and bringing it back to the origin for performance art.
"I'm sure you can draw other conclusions from it, but I think it's just the joy of the physical act, rather than a subtextual comment," he said. "It's not decorative, it's not frivolous and I think there's something really pure about that."
To see Feldman at work, visit the Atlantic Center for the Arts at 1414 Art Center Avenue. The "24 Hour Jump" is free to watch on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"INsideOUT" starts at 7 p.m. on Friday with a gallery walk and a series of presentations at the Harris Theater begins at 8:15 p.m. The event is free for members and $10 for the public. Call 386-427-6975 to make a reservation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Dawn Weleski.
Oh, and if Van Halen's "Jump" isn't stuck in your head yet, now it is...gotta love that synthesizer!