Session One.
Loneliness. Vulnerability. Hopelessness. These are things that we come into contact with as we enter adulthood. Being responsible and independent are always glorified as a child without preparing for the uncertainty and loss of honest identity as we transition into adulthood. Now, as an adult, these consecutive series of problems, traumas and responsibilities can take an emotional toll on our lives and result in making us feel dependent, fearful and disassociated. These negative instances create uncertainty and an inner turmoil of where we stand as an adult placed in an independent, self-absorbed society.
Session One forces Spiljak to come into contact and confront these feelings by producing live drawing animations on the projector. In the process of each drawing, she leads a “meditation” session for the audience to listen to and partake in. They can relate to one or all of these scenarios. It starts as a typical meditation session, and it eventually unravels into something uncomfortable and off-putting. This session subtly builds up tension, frustration and anxiety, which contradicts the purpose of a meditation session. It discusses the situations that can ultimately trigger and expose Spiljak in front of the audience. Or it can expose the audience to her as well. When it does come to an end, it comments on the misconceptions of mental health as something that can be dealt with easily. However, we realize that all of those feelings that were brought up in a time of conflict, become bottled up into a black, restricted silhouette.
Session One forces Spiljak to come into contact and confront these feelings by producing live drawing animations on the projector. In the process of each drawing, she leads a “meditation” session for the audience to listen to and partake in. They can relate to one or all of these scenarios. It starts as a typical meditation session, and it eventually unravels into something uncomfortable and off-putting. This session subtly builds up tension, frustration and anxiety, which contradicts the purpose of a meditation session. It discusses the situations that can ultimately trigger and expose Spiljak in front of the audience. Or it can expose the audience to her as well. When it does come to an end, it comments on the misconceptions of mental health as something that can be dealt with easily. However, we realize that all of those feelings that were brought up in a time of conflict, become bottled up into a black, restricted silhouette.
Session One, 15min performance, Tiny Fist Gallery at Sheridan College, 2019
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