KNT

L.A. Art Contemporary /Kayla Tange "DEFINING BOUNDARIES" at Human Resources Human Resources (HRLA) presents a multimedia installation and performance by Kayla Tange. Curated by Vardui Sharapkhanyan, Defining Boundaries explores the construction of boundaries that protect sacred interiority. Tange’s performance utilizes ritual, sound, ephemeral architecture and collected confessions (including her own) in an attempt to establish psychic, emotional and physical boundaries, guarding against abuse and trauma; elements heavily circulating in our current political climate. In these times, it is essential that we practice empathetic listening toward our friends, family, and community at large. Yet, do we even have the resources, strength, or methods to protect our own psychic energy? Defining Boundaries is a manifestation of sanctuary; a necessary action for when our vulnerability is exhausted or abused. Retreat and the cultivation of personal sacred space opens dialogue, and acceptance surrounding communal elevation out of racial and sexual proliferation. Tange uses her experience as a sonic medium to build an atmosphere rife with sex, shame, secrets, and identity. In Defining Boundaries, Tange projects into Human Resources the recorded confessions collected in past performances—Confession Box (2015-2016), A Bare Witness (2016) and Boundaries (2016-2018)— where public space became an interactive confessional. Unlike previous performances where her own sexual vulnerability was used to allow others to expose theirs, Tange now paints a filter from the confessions as the audience reflects on their own capacity to build a protected interiority. The physical boundary she designs within, resembles a white a cube; a space not so different than the interior of white galleries that art critic Brian O’Doherty reflects upon. “The outside world must not come in, so windows are usually sealed off. Walls are painted white. The ceiling becomes the source of light . . . . The art is free, as the saying used to go, ‘to take on its own life.’” Defining Boundaries is a call to protect interior worlds, tight-knit artistic communities and to celebrate the words of Anais Nin: Had I not created my whole world, I would certainly have died in other people’s. This two day performance and installation urges for self-preservation against confessions representing larger issues, including addressing the media saturated with sexist representations mirroring the interconnected power of patriarchy and capitalism. Although we are exposed to the intimate disclosures Tange has collected, we witness her enacted isolation; a process that inspires insulation and protection of our own sacred interior spaces. Once this internal dominion is created, the self re-connects and re-gathers the deeply buried, fragmented inner parts and welcomes refuge where stillness and the inner workings of the mind, heart and spirit expand.

Originally performed at Human Resources Los Angeles in 2018.

Documentation video of performance: LA Art Documents

Box Design: Kevin Kane

Text: Ezequiel Olvera

Curated by: Vardui Sharapkhanyan

Sound Design: Brent Kiser

Video projection: Grayson C