Today's Special

Abstract

Artist's statement: "This is a performance that I design to attract attention and evoke activist reaction to the refugee crisis escalating in Europe. I decide to conduct the performance under the scenario of a high-class restaurant in which a chef introduces a fresh-made dessert dish. There are mainly two reasons for this arrangement of stage. One reason is that I consider eating as a common occasion for people to mingle, to socialize, to celebrate, and to reunite with friends and families. By sculpting the cake in the shape of the Syrian refugee boy who was found dead at a Turkish beach, and then serving it to the audience, I intend to intensify the irony and the drama. Another reason is that I recognize the act of eating highly engages the audience and evokes not only their psychological reaction but also physical response to the political affair. Although the structure of the performance is fresh and powerful in certain respect, there are many components that need further consideration and design. The menu that I handcrafted is a relatively weak portion because of its cheerful tone different to the serious setting. Furthermore, the menu can be engineered to be a more intentional prop that can provide more background information of the issue. Another component that needs additional calculation and practice is the speech I delivered at the beginning of the performance. A more succinct version that emphasizes powerful phrases would contribute to its impact. In addition, the punch line of the performance does not seem to be generated at the most pivotal moment. The placement of the truth-revealing moment could be redesigned to maximize its impact on the audience."

This is a digital photograph of Lily Huo's painting. It was submitted as an assignment in the spring 2016 Intermediate/Advanced Painting class taught by Professor Erin Harmon.