This doctoral research aims to develop attention for asymmetry of encounters in the arts; this development happens both reflective and performative. Reflective by contributing to the discourse of social art practices, performative by meeting own work that consists of forms of researching.
Reciprocity is a fundamental aspect of an art practice consisting of encounters. Others seem willing to take part in an organized meeting. This interaction means that the roles, expectations and contributions of the participants can correspond. A meeting also generates experiences of asymmetry. This asymmetry occurs within reciprocity, without going into it. Asymmetry allows an opening in interaction.
This asymmetry was explored on the basis of the practice of Eric Hagoort and in the discourse of social art practices. The philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas inspired the researcher. But unlike Levinas, who focuses on the moral nature of asymmetry, this project investigates the artistic possibilities of asymmetry. Not by placing people in situations in which asymmetry is evoked in an extreme sense but by examining the experience of asymmetry (and sometimes acting) within the work.
Researcher: Erik Hagoort
Promoters: Arthur Cools (UA) & Nico Dockx (KAA)
Illustration: Symprovisation about art and empathy. A public repetition, followed by a closed performance. 5-11-2014, Sector 2337, Chicago IL, VS (c) Albert van Westing