‘’both artist and material’’ is a quote used by American artist Dan Graham in his essay ‘Subject Matter’ 1993 analysing, artist Bruce Nauman’s performances during the 1960s. This quote used by Graham is a precise statement of what performance art is about, and this exhibition seeks to articulate this.
The work in the exhibition is concerned with debunking the idea of fitness and exercise which is the main area of interest, artist Jake Wood explores in his practice through his own use of gym and physicality.
The performative works in the exhibition use humour, tongue in cheek and slapstick comical gestures. In addition, consider Woods practice inherently intrusive, where he intrudes into different kinds of zones and environments. Wood is interested in having one foot in one camp, and one in the other.
The exhibition is also centred around intentionality and capacity for action by exploring the real world through performing in the public domain. The performative works aim to use transgression as a rule setting exercise that test the tolerance levels in these environments.
Through performance methods wood seeks to push the boundaries of ‘where art sits’ beyond the institution and gallery space. Wood enjoys the unapologetic attitude and approach that performative work offers - Turning up to a place, doing what you need to do and then exiting again. Creating a casualness and informality that interrupts and interferes within a space, and where the general public become unwilling participants, captured on video. This sets the atmosphere for the work. He becomes a live performing object.
