Collective Flamingo Performance
An artist finally becomes socially engaged. Unfortunately, he still wants complete control.
Collective Flamingo Performance is a participatory performance about an artist who has spent his entire career working with the colour pink. To remain contemporary, he decides that his work must now become social.
A group of audience members is dressed in handmade pink flamingo costumes, complete with beaks and wings. The artist leads them into a formal parade, carefully directing their positions, movements and collective shape.
Although the work is presented as participatory, the artist remains determined to control exactly what everyone does.
The parade is interrupted by two seagulls who claim that they, too, are artists—and perhaps even more socially engaged ones. They find food, share it with other birds and occupy the city without permission. Would you call that art?
First presented at Trondheim Torg on 29 April 2023, during a one-day Inflatable Museum event as part of Bastard Festival, organised by Rosendal Teater.
Developed collectively by JAM PUBLIC with Ulrik Waarli Grimstad, Thomas Askeland Svendsen and Erlend Evensen. Costumes by JAM PUBLIC. Performed by Ulrik as the flamingo artist, Thomas and Erlend as the seagulls, and participating audience members as the flamingo flock.
