To participate, come along with water in a container (read Jelili’s letter below)
SUN 14 JUNE part of the evening program at Defibrillator Gallery
June 12, 2015
Dearest Dwellers of the earth,
As you may be aware, I am here in Chicago to participate in the ongoing RAPID PULSE INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE ART FESTIVAL. So, I will be performing “Earth With Trees and Water I Am (Alaaragbo VIII)” on Sunday June 14, 2015 at Defibrillator Performance Art Gallery, 1463 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, USA from 7.00pm.
Prior to my preparation to embark on the journey to the City in a Garden, (Illinois, IL), my mind was pondering on the statements by George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair, 1903 –1950). George wrote, “The planting of a tree, especially one of the long-‐living hardwood trees, is a gift which you can make to posterity at almost no cost and with almost no trouble, and if the tree takes root it will far outlive the visible effect of any of your other actions, good or evil.” You will agree with me that George’s statements somehow signal the contemporary human conditions in relationship to ecological issues.
I am here, therefore, to plant trees and I wish to solicit your participation in the simple actions. I will make the actions during my performance as mentioned above and I will be expecting (if you wish to participate) to come along with water in container(s). You will help by pouring the water on the plants/trees as I plant them.
I will be glad to have you participate in the performance on Sunday June 14, 2015.
Yours co–dweller of the earth,
Jelili Atiku Sculptor/Performance Artist,
Lagos, Nigeria,
Image – Jelili Atiku, Ewedabira (Alaraagbo IV), St. Pongratzen, Graz, Austria – enacted during Intercourse with Woods– collaboration with Eva Maria Ocherbauer, (Monday August 25, 2014. Photo by Eva Maria Ocherbauer.
JELILI ATIKU (NIGERIA) is a multimedia artist with political concerns for human rights and justice.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Through drawing, installation sculpture, photography, video and performance (live art); i strive to help viewers understand the world and expanding their understanding and experiences, so that they can activate and renew their lives and environments.