VENT at Soapbox Gallery 636 Dean Street, Brooklyn NY

My performances take on elements of chance, I set up the boundaries: length, where, how I start, etc., but after the initial moments, the viewers can change how it will go, sometimes for the good, sometimes not. This performance was definitely for the good. The community reaction to the piece was overwhelmingly positive. I initially had not wanted to speak to anyone, but I soon realized that I had basically come into there space and set myself up. If they had to come into the gallery to see me instead of being able to do so on the sidewalk, the viewers would have had a choice and an interest in learning about what I was doing, but since not, I decided to speak after all.

The decision to speak made the performance as the interactions with the viewers was the best part. I needed to keep explaining the piece to new viewers, sure but the ones I called regulars were the best. I was on their regular route, so they would walk by several times a day. After awhile it could become rote, just a wave or a smile. It was odd how a half naked man sitting in a window display can become normal in a way.

My favorite interactions were with children who seemed to accept me first. They would ask questions of course, but the questions would be important. The first question would be “why?” after my brief explanation, they would ask follow-ups. One of my favorites was Max (I am horrible with names and I could be wrong about his). While I was setting-up, he walked by and told his mother and brothers “I’m going to watch him pee!” After that, he would pass several times a day, usually with just a wave and smile, but often coming up and talking about the piece. Now Max is six or seven, so it was usually his mother telling me what they were discussing, but it made me realize that I did get some reaction from the viewers. On my second to last day, Max even came up to me to say goodbye in case he didn’t see me the last day.

While reducing living to it’s bare essentials, I did learn to appreciate the most basic one; communication.

                                             -Chad Wanzek

The Soapbox is built! It stands waiting for artists and attendees to step-on-up to rant, spew and speak. VENT events are beginning this Monday, and on September 25th at the Soapbox Cabaret you too will have your chance. See you there!

Check out our hand screen-printed posters! -limited edition available!