Birthing a Nation*
a collaboration with Erika Katrina Barbosa
Birthing a Nation is a participatory performance ritual addressing police brutality. Found sound of real U.S. officers, NRA members, politicians, and gun enthusiasts, activated by touch sensors, are embedded in the wombs of the performers: Our Ladies of Peace, vessels of the patriarchy, police brutality madonnas for the 21st century. This collaboration combines performance artist Allison Wyper's work with vulnerability and participation, with media artist Erika Katrina Barbosa's interrogation of police violence through the objects officers carry.
A public installation for CURRENT: LA included sanctuary candles dedicated to victims of police shootings in the Los Angeles area, as well as copies of gun control legislation that had been killed in Congress.
*This piece was originally titled "this is what I call the light of god" – a quote from a police officer describing his weapon.
Performance history:
2017: StARTup Art Fair, Los Angeles
2016: KCHUNG’S “KPARK” for Current: LA Public Art Biennial, South Weddington Park, Los Angeles
2016: POW!POW!POW!POW! Action Art Festival, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
2016: StARTup Fair, San Francisco