Beziehung (Relationship)

Title: Beziehung (Relationship)
Medium: Performance Art Video (black and white), 10 mins 30 secs
Location: Weimar, Germany
Date of completion: 2024

Stretching chewing gum as facing emotions from relationships. The unpleasant emotions brought about by a torturous long-distance relationship, are symbolised by chewing gum, which is stretched from the mouth to different areas of the face, strangling the wrist and neck. The limitations, sense of powerlessness and isolation, and the conviction that things are utterly out of reach. Similar to chewing gum, relationships have sweetness and freshness at first, but no matter how much freshness is added, after chewing and stretching, they eventually become tasteless and bland. However, the gum was still eaten, one after another, despite being aware that it is eaten just to be spat out. It seemed as though it was destined to be. Despite all the negative aspects on oneself, the choice is to accept and coexist with the challenges of relationships. The same as going back to chewing through all of the extended chewing gum. This viscous cycle is symbolised by the clip's repetition. This is the cycle of a relationship: masticate, relish, rupture, amendment, hatred, acceptance.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/DFXf1IEl0aM?si=1hjh-ohak_LeKWmV