114 Pesos: Ilusion de Control

performance, installation

36 H 30 min

2014

After fasting for 36 hours, I entered a natural pine wood platform built in the Fine Arts classroom in Altos de Chavon. This platform sustains a framed crystal, with two analog weight scales placed facing each other on both sides of the crystal. The platform is flanked by two white walls and illuminated by a single spotlight, creating a vitrine-looking stage. Behind the platform, a long mirror can be seen through the crystal reflecting the space. The setting looks like a series of mirrored images, the present objects reflecting each other are reflected in the mirror.

Taking a red lipstick, I proceeded to apply on the makeup, followed by weighting myself, and annotating the number in lbs on the crystal in front of me. In accordance to that first measurement, I repeat the action for the same number of pounds it read, 114. Once reached the number of repetitions in weight taking, annotating, and reapplying the lipstick, I left the space and finished the performance.