In this class project, we had to create a 1 minute video that highlights the different sounds that 1 object can make. Additionally, we created scores of the actions we took in our videos in case someone wants to recreate the performative art piece in front of a live audience.
School Project, Lydia Bonney, 2024
Using the performative art form of Fluxus as a guide line, I decided to pick my school backpack as my object because I use it almost everyday without really thinking about. Within the video, I utilize different parts of my body to emphasize the different noises that my backpack can make.
School Project Score, Lydia Bonney, 2024
Due to this piece’s nature, it is necessary to have two performers during a live performance because multiple sounds are made simultaneously.
Intro: Tap twice with the right index fingernail on the plastic button.
Section 1: Continue tapping the index fingernail twice as the second performer sits on the floor with a backpack on. Take off the backpack and put it back on twice.
Section 2: Unzip the backpack halfway, zip it up halfway, unzip it quarter of the way, zip it up a quarter of the way.
Section 3: Flick the plastic button down with index finger 2 times, pause, repeat.
Section 4: With the backpack on the ground, use the right foot in a thick sock and rub across the three bumps with the toes towards and away from the audience 4 times in succession.
Section 5: Anytime there is a pause, the first performer taps once with their index fingernail on the plastic button. Zip the backpack up halfway, pause, unzip it halfway, pause, unzip it halfway, pause, zip it up halfway, pause, zip it up halfway fast.
Section 6: Between the left index and thumb, pinch the Equinox key fob and shake the key chain to the right, to the left, to the right, to the left, to the right, pause, to the left then the right ending in the middle fast, up and down, to the right, to the left, to the right, end in the middle.
Section 7: Before each buckle, the first performer flicks down with the index finger on the plastic button twice. Using both hands, the second performer buckles the buckle, unbuckles the buckle, then buckles the buckle.
Section 8: Between left index and thumb, pinch the plastic clip attached to the bungee cord and pull back, let go snapping it, quick pause, repeat twice in succession, quick pause, pull back the plastic clip attached to the bungee cord, hold, let go snapping it.
Section 9: Pick up the backpack, hold, drop the backpack flat on the floor.
Conclusion: The second performer will tap on the plastic button, pause, then repeat as the first performer puts notebook and pages away. With the backpack sitting open on the knees, the first performer uses two hands to put 6 pages of paper and one notebook into the backmost compartment.
