Selected Performances 1973

Selected Performances 1973

Rita Myers
1973, 21:45 min, b&w, sound
Slow Squeeze
Rita Myers
1973, 11:15 min, b&w, sound

In this newly restored performance tape, Myers constricts her body position to "fit" into the shrinking frame of a gradual camera zoom. In her reflexive use of video and closed-circuit monitoring, Myers explores the interface of real-time technology and human gesture.

Tilt 1
Rita Myers
1973, 6:50 min, b&w, sound

Again, Myers negotiates her relationship to the frame of the camera as it gradually realigns itself — this time in a clock-wise movement that turns the room sideways. Myers adjusts her position, bracing herself with increasing difficulty against the wall, in an attempt to remain upright even as the camera does not.

Jumps
Rita Myers
1973, 3:30 min, b&w, sound

Jumps is the last in a triptych of performances in which Myers attempts to escape the space of closed-circuit monitoring through physical exertion. As the frame widens, Myers jumps out of view — defying the camera's gaze until gravity defies her and the frame widens again.

Description

In this restored series of three early performance exercises, Myers uses her body to investigate the frame of the video camera, and the tension between illusory and "real" space. In Slow Squeeze, Myers constricts her body position to "fit" into the shrinking frame of a gradual camera zoom. In her reflexive use of video and closed-circuit monitoring, Myers explores the interface of real-time technology and human gesture.

In Tilt, Myers again negotiates her relationship to the frame of the camera as it gradually realigns itself - this time in a clock-wise movement that turns the room sideways. Myers adjusts her position, bracing herself with increasing difficulty against the wall, in an attempt to remain upright even as the camera does not.

Jumps is the last in a triptych of performances in which Myers attempts to escape the space of closed circuit monitoring through physical exertion. As the frame widens, Myers jumps out of view, defying the camera's gaze until gravity defies her and the frame widens again.