Assignment 2

The performance Corproaloutis has many complex layers of vulnerability. A person who is stalked and eventually caught plays with the idea of the victim/predator scenario. However, this piece also adds an interesting dynamic, since the subjects are volunteering to be placed in this position of vulnerability. The artist then takes it a step further by posting online real information about the “prey”. This creates a real sense of exposure as information such as names; pictures of their houses and cars as well as digital updates of where the subjects go during the day are recorded and accessible to everyone on the Internet. It’s interesting that so far (day 1) these shots or tidbits of information seems to be captured in public places, so by technicality his methods of “stalking” is legal. This opens the door to other issues such as public surveillance.

            As mentioned in one of the artist’s post, “reverse stalking” is another form of vulnerability that comes into play with this piece. As the artist chose a conspicuous outfit, he quickly becomes a well-identified figure in the community. Along with his posts, he points out to his followers that he can be tracked, and also become a stalked predator.  

  2) When it comes to producing art, much of my work emits a kind of vulnerability. While many different practices of art produce their own reasons of exposure, I personally find that the more honesty that’s invested in a piece or process, the stronger of an impact it has on its viewers. When creating my own pieces, I usually come up with a concept or interest. Through that, I then try to locate the reason or intention behind that concept (this can be a uncomfortable experience, especially if you don’t like the answer). When finally accepting a ground truth about the piece, I then attempt to create a work that will communicate this uncovered concept most effectively. I believe one of the most challenging moments is witnessing the viewer’s response to your work. After what can feel like intense exposure, to watch how a viewer looks at your truth or message before moving on to the next piece can feel like the most vulnerable moment of your life- yet to see acceptance or fascination can lead it to be one of the most exciting.

 3)             This particular performance was successful in its endeavors to communicate vulnerability. Joshua Schwebel, reviews this and adds in his own experience as being one of the stalked subjects. In his writing, he makes an interesting point about the vulnerability that is created in the performance. Going to watch the Star Wars movies, the audience is permitted to the gaze, watching characters while retaining a sense of anonymity and thus safety. As the storm trooper has now broken free of the theatre screen and his tracking down his prey, the roles are reversed. His identity is now protected behind his outfit and as Schwebel noted in his writing, the artist’s real name is never revealed, creating a heighten sense of paranoia.