Extinct revolution in public gravity

2024, performance and installation; Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno, Italy

The image of extinction is realized through two prosthetics: one distant and macroscopic, the other close and microscopic. It showcases the plurality of extinction in the tentacular form of the hyperobject. The title, composed of bifrontal words, aligns with the duality encapsulated by the installation and performance. An alien installation detaches itself from the concentric movements of a town square traversed by breaths. In the installation, a slide projector displays purplish organic maps of oncological intimacy, examining the microscopic metastasis of extinction.

The image

A slide projector transmits histological examinations with human tissue containing cancer cells. Banners of a disappeared civilization—near, distant, and unknown. Elliptical walks in the square with artifacts created through experimental archaeology. In the main square of the city (Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno), two performers approach, meet, distance themselves, cross among passersby, and mimic each other. The performers wield weapons forged with ancient techniques (in experimental archaeology). They inhabit the space of the square along a path shaped by ellipses. The sound of the performers’ breaths emanates from the façade of the Palazzo dei Capitani, radiating across the square. Their gestures and movements evoke surrender and endings. From the palace windows, three long black banners display three phrases in ancient Picene script: “A valiant warrior,” “Rests in the middle way,” “Here lies the image.” The text is derived from the few remnants of this civilization, primarily funerary stelae.

Credits