Emma Sulkowicz, a Columbia University student and rape survivor, has gone in a decidedly unusual direction for her senior thesis. Her project, which she refers to as an "endurance performance art piece," involves her carrying around her mattress for as long as she is forced to attend the same school as her rapist. She anticipates that this project could take anywhere from a day to graduation.
Having been assaulted in her own dorm room bed, Sulkowicz admits that the space has become laden with negativity. Moreover, she explains that she's had to "carry the weight" (also the unofficial title of the project) of her rape with her, a feeling she is physically expressing with the mattress.
Because the mattress is usually found in the bedroom, our most private, intimate sphere, Sulkowicz is making a powerful statement by bringing it out in public.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Performance Art as Activism
- Performance art can be used as a powerful form of activism, allowing individuals to express their personal experiences and advocate for social change.
- Public Display of Private Trauma
- The act of publicly displaying private trauma challenges societal norms and fosters dialogue around sensitive and taboo topics.
- Endurance as a Statement
- Engaging in endurance-based projects can serve as a means of communicating strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
Where This Applies
- Art and Entertainment
- The art and entertainment industry can embrace the use of performance art to spark conversations, raise awareness, and provoke social change.
- Education
- Educational institutions can create platforms and spaces for students to express their personal experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue about important social issues.
- Activism and Advocacy
- Activist organizations can utilize performance art as a medium to amplify voices, create awareness, and challenge societal norms surrounding sexual assault and trauma.
