:: hello ::

intervention meet at CUBE2 :: 5.28 4-5p

website divestudio.org

Hello engages public space, and seeks to push at the boundaries that we
all put up when we are in public. In urban areas in particular, we seem to
place a protective barrier around ourselves to prevent/inhibit engagement
with our fellow city-dwellers. Ipods, sunglasses, a simple scowl all serve
to keep others at a distance. This project seeks to disrupt that distance.

Part One of Hello: At a location near the main Provflux 2005 venue (exact
location to be determined after my arrival so I can scout out the area), I
will engage in a simple walk on my own. This walk will take place in an
area near the venue, so that my activity can be watched by other Provfluxers
if they wish.

As I walk, I will simply say "Hello" to every person who I pass. The
response from each person will affect the direction and speed of my walk.
For example, if someone responds to my greeting with a "Hello" back, then I
may cross the street, or pause in my walk for a few moments. Or, for
example, if there is no response from the other person, then my direction
and speed will remain unchanged. Ideally I envision doing this at the same
time each day for the duration of the Provflux, for approximately 30 to 45
minutes.

Part Two of Hello: I will lead a group walk of the area near the main
Provflux 2005 venue (exact location to be determined after my arrival so I
can scout out the area). As we walk as a group through the area, we will
each, individually, say hello to each person we pass. We will walk spread
out over the space of a block, close enough to see and hear the participant
ahead and behind, but not grouped as to look like a "group". Imagine the
effect, both visually and aurally, as a person walks past a number of
participants over the course of a block, each one in turn saying "Hello"!
Depending upon the number of participants, the group's movements may be
influenced by people's responses to our greetings.

about the artist

D. Jean Hester :: Awareness, people being nudged slightly more awake, is the first step towards changing our culture. Using my art as a device to stimulate people toward a more active stance is a primary focus for me. That is what I am after - engaging people to think, feel, exist, act, to break out of passivity. If our culture never asks us to be active, or involved, if it never pushes us to expand what we believe we are capable of, then how can we hope to break the pattern of passive consumption? My work as a media artist often combines video, programming, databases, and performative elements to create participative/ interactive pieces for installations, performances, and the internet. I wish to involve users as active, thinking, engaged participant-collaborators in the creation of art. My work pulls people out of their passive stance, even if just for a moment.