Gathering/Dispersal and Hangers101 & a Litany of Hashtags

During the four days of the interactive performance/installation, I will offer the visitors of EnTransito the opportunity to map their personal and familial journey by asking them, “Where are you coming from?” and “Where will you be going next?” The participants will write their place of origin on a small object and select a spool of yarn, which they’ll attach to the object and then anchor to one of the three gathering stones. When walking away, they unrolled the spool to create a web-like structure of yarn, leaving behind them a trace, an indication, of the paths of their destinations.

By gathering people who passed through this site, my goal is to create a moment of exchange between the participants, bringing awareness to our differences and connections as well as the rich complexity and uniqueness of our lives before we are pulled apart once again into the many different directions of our reality. We will share our stories and our families’ journeys over the years. I plan on sharing those stories with the public in various storytelling forms.

Hangers 101 & a Litany of Hashtags #Countdown 1461 Days

The video “Hangers 101 & a Litany of Hashtags #Countdown 1461 Days” is a pivotal component of the broader project “Hangers 101 & a Litany of Hashtags.” This multimedia project marks the passage of 1461 presidential administration days from January 20th, 2017 to January 20th, 2021. The marks in the sand signify this countdown, while the sound collage features a chorus of voices reflecting on global and societal events during this period. It is a cautionary tale.

This project catalyzes dialogue on the political and social climate. Participants share thoughts while holding hangers. Their sentiments are encapsulated in hashtags, transforming individual voices into a collective narrative encompassing human rights, migration, environmental concerns and peace.

The subsequent performances I presented consisted of monologues crafted from participants’ insights and the evolution of the yarned hangers into sculptural artifacts. These performances, along with the accompanying installation, sculptures, soundtrack, and video, culminate in a compelling exploration of contemporary issues and communal expression.

The project’s journey unfolds across various locations, from studio spaces to international exhibitions, fostering connections and exchanges on a global scale. The soundtrack, a collaborative effort featuring artists Nicole Brancato, Joris Pierre Katz and myself, is available on Bandcamp and YouTube, offering a sonic dimension to the project’s narrative. Visit @mcayer27 on Instagram to see the entire progression of this work. 

Marie Christine Katz’s interdisciplinary practice focuses principally on performance and installation, addressing environmental and socio-political issues that affect us regionally and globally. Projects are developed over time. She often seeks public participation, story-sharing, and collaboration with artists of various disciplines. Performances are informed by passersby’s responses to questions she poses. Marie Christine makes costumes and objects from various materials such as dryer lint, fabric, hangers, yarn, wax, and wire. She uses video, photography, sound, and social media as a medium and conducts workshops encouraging up-cycling and human interactions @mck_workinprogress on Instagram. In addition, she performs participatory walks with people from anywhere in the world via Twitter @mcayer and Instagram Live @Letstakeawalk_world. Walks, movement, dance, voice, prepared text and improvisations shape what she presents to the public.

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Presented on Governor’s Island as part of the Figment Art Festival in June 2009

Preparation

To gather the necessary large quantities of yarn for Gathering/Dispersal, I asked friends and acquaintances for advice on where to find discarded and discounted yarn. Many of them responded with valuable suggestions, and others even donated some of their own spools of yarn for the project.

Installation

During the three days of the interactive performance/installation, I sought participation from the visitors at Governor’s Island in creating the work by asking them, “Where are you coming from?” and “Where will you be going once you leave the island?” The participants wrote their place of origin on a metal grommet and selected a spool of yarn, which they attached to the grommet and then anchored to one of the three gathering stones. When walking away, they unrolled the spool to create a web-like structure of yarn, leaving behind them a trace, an indication, of the paths of their destinations.

By gathering people who passed through this particular site, my goal was to create a moment of exchange between the participants, bringing awareness to their differences and connections as well as the rich complexity and uniqueness of our lives before we are pulled apart once again into the many different directions of our urban reality.

As part of this work, a thank-you gathering took place in September 2009. We shared an afternoon of a small buffet of food and drinks prepared by the artist to thank everyone who helped make the Gathering/Dispersal exhibition possible.