Performance Project #1

From what I’ve learned about performing art in time and space is the idea of context. For my performance I wanted to replicate a seemingly common practice that is acknowledged by most. I find golf to be such a visually appealing sport, as one can go out and enjoy the outdoors. I decided to go and pursue urban environments as it is something that visually appeals to me as well. For my alter ego I decided to go out and enjoy the day, weather, and of course golf. I was in no rush for my shooting; I paced and thought about my camera shots, similar to my ‘golf’ shots. When I found a spot, I second guessed myself and tried different positions and techniques, like an indecisive golfer.
For my first shot I call it “Marble Fairway,” for which I had a fairway in mind. Though still accompanied with much golf course-like foliage; the stone steps and pathway in the foreground serve as the playing surface. Gratefully on my second shot I got a few cars in the picture; “Chip Shot” has a tighter frame than the first. Again trying to incorporate foliage into the cityscape, I pose as an unlucky golfer chipping out of a tough spot. This is actually the only piece that I didn’t alter in Photoshop out of all five. “Stone Trap” is a shot again incorporates the marble structures outside of a drained water fountain. I had a sand trap in mind as the stone structures made somewhat of a concave basin. “Light Putt” starts to wrap up the golf outing as I size up a putt. I didn’t notice until I later but in the picture I have a look on contemplation, literally thinking about my ‘shot’. “19th Hole” wraps up the outing as I hang out by the river walk. I tried not to look to overwhelmed, relaxing and sharing a few drinks with the pals. This was towards the end of my shoot as well, so the sense of accomplishment is hopefully revealed in the picture. My goals were to interact as a golfer were in the context of time and space. Sure displaying of skills is important, but to be honest I only actually hit the golf ball only a dozen times and at no particular target. Carlson says it is “…but less of particular skills than of a recognized and culturally coded pattern of behavior.” I think picture speak for themselves for authenticity.