Part street performance, part social experiment and part photography series, the John Clang Beon Sleeps project is an unusual way to send a message to the public.
The people in Singapore, as in most large cities, always seem to be in a giant hurry with no time to actually relax and enjoy the day. John Clang's solution to this hectic lifestyle was to teach by example, giving Beon the task of pretending to be asleep in the middle of public streets and sidewalks. In order not to startle people, they used a pillow to show that Beon is relaxing, not dead.
Using the most inconvenient locations such as escalators, staircases, in front of cars and in the subway, the John Clang Beon Sleeps project made people rushing by stop to notice.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Public Relaxation
- Creating public spaces or initiatives that encourage relaxation and mindfulness can disrupt the fast-paced, hectic lifestyle of urban areas.
- Street Performance as a Message
- Using street performances as a medium to convey messages can disrupt traditional forms of communication and engage the public in unique ways.
- Photography for Social Experiments
- Utilizing photography to conduct social experiments can provide insights into societal behaviors and potentially drive positive change.
Where This Applies
- Urban Planning
- Incorporating public spaces designed for relaxation in urban planning can create an environment that prioritizes wellbeing and breaks the cycle of constant busyness.
- Performing Arts
- Exploring street performances as a format for conveying messages can revolutionize the performing arts industry by bringing art to unexpected locations and engaging diverse audiences.
- Photography and Visual Arts
- Using photography to conduct social experiments and challenge societal norms opens new avenues for artistic expression and encourages dialogue on important issues.
