comma, 2010

another tangent: HomeShop hawking

trying to find connections, this is another possible idea to work out for Also Space, in conjunction with the upcoming launch of WEAR journal number two.

first performed at Emporium in Milano, October 2009.

instructions__

The driver/salesman should pre-record one message before beginning the route. The recording call should be simple and concise, in both Chinese and Italian, e.g., “穿杂志“, or “Journals for Sale”. This message can be set to replay on loop during the length of his route.

He/she should circulate around the exhibition grounds, and depending upon the exhibition location, may devise a route to/from the city centre to the exhibition, along a well-populated path where many pedestrians may be encountered. The loudspeaker should be playing at all times, alternating between the pre-recorded message and the direct voice of hawker, speaking by these instructions:

  • –  Describe in as much detail as possible the clothing of people you see on the street. (for example, A woman of medium height, wearing a red skirt, striped blouse and red leather sandals, carries a paper shopping bag and walks at a leisurely pace.)
  • –  Describe in as much detail as possible their actions. (for example, A man is sitting on the bench reading a newspaper; he takes a cigarette out of his jacket left pocket and lights it. He inhales deeply, turning his head to the right to exhale, then turns back to the newspaper. his leg is crossed left over right; now switching right over left; still reading the newspaper; now turning the page, etc.)
  • –  Do not talk to people directly; descriptions should be in third-person.
  • –  Alternate Chinese, Italian, and English, if possible.

If the hawker is asked about the contents of the journal, he/she can show the display copy and explain that it is a journal about art/urban practices in Beijing.