It just so happens that my love was here visiting when we were assigned this project. I was stuck without an idea, but thankfully as we sat together, we developed a concept for a performance art piece that challenges the norms within relationships.
We realize that as a college aged couple we are subject to societal pressures of roles within a relationship. We have chosen to challenge these roles and redefine what is true loyalty is, its purpose, and ultimately how unconditional love in relationships is the best guide.
Loving conditionally is an unspoken rule throughout our age group. Noting the freedom and obvious attraction levels on college campuses it is essentially a breeding ground for fu**ing, flirting, cheating, and for some, control, if you are in a relationship.
We are supposed to be able to control the natural attractions of our mates, or better yet, completely stop them. "He only has eyes for me". The conditions of relationships, and the power roles are often the cause for many issues.
The rules of long distance relationships can be even more specific and detailed, and some may feel constricted.
The performance piece offers a way of understanding Unconditional Love. Love where each person is in control of themselves and their own actions, completely trusting the other to respect the freedom and trust given.
We highlight the emotions generated when a couple holds a focus for loving unconditionally. There is release on the leash of the lover and at the times, a complete letting go of the leash, i.e the tools of control and the conditions of love.
By maintaining a healthy relationship while feeling the growing pains of infidelity we explore the necessary attitudes for loving unconditionally. Ultimately in throughout this love, there is an opportunity to wipe away the preexisting conditions and to develop a more personalized relationship structure.
I absolutely LOVE everything about this, even more so after reading your explanation. Comedic at first glance, this piece has such deeper meaning right below the surface that everyone can relate to, myself included. I think this also shows the strength of your own relationship. Amazing job girlll!
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, the button that is supposed to be the "comment" button is the same color as the banner it was in, making it near impossible to see. WIth regards to your project, I really enjoyed the concept behind the leashes and your confidence in talking to random strangers. You put yourself (and your boyfriend) in an interesting position in this project, and I think it was valuable for all of us to see.
ReplyDeleteI found your project very interesting and very relevant to college students. Having been in some rather interesting relationship situations, the imagery and social stigmas that you chose to address got my attention nearly immediately. At one point in my high-school career, it was common in my friend group for people in relationships to wear collars and even have leashes for each other (Yeah Goth kids can be really weird), so the ":Leash" you all used was actually quite fitting for me. Good Job :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen many types of relationships in my life. Some healthy and some not. I like the idea behind this piece. It accurately personifies the give and take in relationships.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the idea behind your project. Relationships are such a complicated thing and everyone sees them and deals with them differently. I liked that you were the one taking the initiative to interact with strangers and bring them into the piece, unlike the rest of us who chose to separate ourselves from the outside world.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really interesting idea for a performance piece. Being able to see a literal leash connecting the two of you brought up the power of loyalty and trust in a relationship. It's too bad the video from the cafe didn't being usable, as the reactions you described in class sounded amazing!
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