Becoming Dust: Powering up a Talisman
Unique, steampunk work of performance art by E.D. Taylor premiering as part of ArtPrize 2016
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Free-of-charge performances at ArtPrize 2016 venue West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO), Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 21 – Oct. 9, 2016. Paintings displayed in the performance area are for sale. Proceeds benefit both the artist and WGNO. Prices range from $35 to $120.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160802/395108
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160802/395107
Talisman
tal-is-muhn
An amulet engraved with characters that attract occult influences, often used to perform a specific act, such as healing. They bring good luck and avert danger. Unlike an amulet (which is passive) a talisman must be waved, kissed touched or used in some similar way.¹
Description of Becoming Dust Performance:
As artist E.D. Taylor pedals an antique exercycle, a turntable with a vintage sterilizer box on it rotates. The box, modified by the artist, features stitchery and hand-drawn, appliqued copies of Renaissance anatomical engravings. The box's hand-beaded interior showcases an anatomical statue. While pedaling, Taylor continuously repeats: "Memento homo, quia pulvis es ... et in pulverem, reverteris," and the translation, "Remember man, you are dust and to dust shall return." The original Latin version of this phrase is picked out in the embroidered sampler covering the back of the box.
Performances happen during evening hours, on a sturdy indoor platform stage behind one of WGNO's storefront picture windows. Becoming Dust is lit by Edison lights, an old-looking electric fireplace and battery-powered candles in vintage apothecary jars. Taylor's numerous Victorian-esque costumes ensure she can wear a different outfit each day.
Taylor feels this contemplative piece is partly about "… staying humble."
"I am made of dust. We are all made of the same dust. Just plain old dust, nothing special. This isn't a matter of diamond dust vs. dryer lint," says Taylor.
West Grand Neighborhood Organization is the second-largest neighborhood organization in Grand Rapids. Its boundaries include the Grand River to the east, Bridge Street to the south, Bristol Street to the southwest, and the city limits to the north. WGNO is a non-profit organization.
Contact:
E.D. Taylor
Email
edtaylorartist.com
216-965-2209
Where:
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
415 Leonard Street Northwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
westgrand.org
616-451-0150
When:
Monday through Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
¹Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group. (2008). Retrieved July 6, 2016 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/talisman.
SOURCE E.D. Taylor
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