WHAT IS THE STATE OF
THE STATE?
The state of the state is an art project in which we create a portrait of society. Performance artist Julian Hetzel (DE) has developed a concept to generate a snapshot of the Netherlands. His concept is based on the idea of creating a portrait through collective authorship, in which many different sources form a bigger image. This collage will be a self-portrait
of reality, taken by anyone who would like to participate. People are invited to take a picture of themselves, and articulate a statement in order to define their reality.
The portrait will exist on several levels: as a visual image and as a performance during Festival a/d Werf 2012.
The project will run from February until May and is divided into three parts: an installation, an open call
for casting and a performance.
The project is a collaboration with YouAreWatchingUs (CH/DE) and is produced by Festival a/d Werf.
PART 1: PORTRAIT
INSTALLATION IN THE CITY
From February onwards a media installation will be traveling to several public spaces scattered around Utrecht where people can take their pictures. The installation acts both as an image-capturing device and as an archive. The public is invited to submit their images by scanning themselves, or things they carry
with them. These images should be connected to their individual relationship with and their views on the state of the country. By collecting these uncensored visual snapshots, we will generate a bigger picture.
Participation is simple: find the installation and push the button.
A picture will be taken and instantly displayed on the screen. Each scan will be numbered, saved and archived.
The archive can be viewed on
the screen and can also be accessed through this website. During Festival a/d Werf the collection will be presented in an exhibition.
PART 2: PARTICIPATION
OPEN CALL CASTING
Besides the scanning, people are welcome to share their opinion on stage during a performance. Do you have a statement about the state?
Do you have something to say and something to share?
Please submit for the casting before
1 March 2012. Age, origin, ideology, religion, language or stage experience are not important. It's about the small details of daily life.
PART 3: PERFORMANCE
A PORTRAIT OF THE HERE AND NOW
The final portrait will be translated into a performance in which citizens will be invited to share their personal thoughts about the state of the state. Julian Hetzel and his team will
work with non-professional performers – experts on reality and
on daily life. The logic behind the performance is the same as that behind the scans; it is about creating one portrait out of a multitude.
The team of The state of the state will select a group of people to work with during a casting session. Over the following months they create a living portrait of the here and now. This performance will be presented during Festival a/d Werf in May 2012.