NAZNACZENIE / MARKING
fingerprints on skin, performance
2019
Performance held on October 26th, 2019 during the opening of the exhibition 'Zuzanna Dyrda. Naznaczenie' at the International Centre for Graphic Arts in Kraków.
A phenomenon — touching the belly by strangers — experienced by a pregnant women, although is not always accepted by them, although it supposes to bring happiness. It is often a traumatic experience for a pregnant woman and an invasion of her intimate zone. However, as Katarzyna Paszkiewicz claims: ‘Many people experience feelings of care and curiosity towards a toddler, and touching a belly of mother-to-be can be perceived as a form of saying hallo to an unborn’1. During the performance, I reversed this ritual. The fingerprints that the audience leaves on my belly make the touch more conscious visible and deeper for both sides. The awareness of the left fingerprints left, releases fear uncertainty and hesitation of the audience. But finally, the curiosity, willingness to participate and the need to follow their predecessors win. We have been marked, and the touch of the members of this spontaneous community is a symbol of collective responsibility and community.
A phenomenon — touching the belly by strangers — experienced by a pregnant women, although is not always accepted by them, although it supposes to bring happiness. It is often a traumatic experience for a pregnant woman and an invasion of her intimate zone. However, as Katarzyna Paszkiewicz claims: ‘Many people experience feelings of care and curiosity towards a toddler, and touching a belly of mother-to-be can be perceived as a form of saying hallo to an unborn’1. During the performance, I reversed this ritual. The fingerprints that the audience leaves on my belly make the touch more conscious visible and deeper for both sides. The awareness of the left fingerprints left, releases fear uncertainty and hesitation of the audience. But finally, the curiosity, willingness to participate and the need to follow their predecessors win. We have been marked, and the touch of the members of this spontaneous community is a symbol of collective responsibility and community.