Omnipresence
2018
performance
Perry Herrera's performance is a captivating exploration driven by a fascination with capturing the ephemeral and the transient. Serving as the deus ex machina of the Anthropocene, the artist engages in a transformative act within the gallery space. Using a cyanotype emulsion, branches are painted, altering their natural colors throughout the exhibition. This oscillation between existence and action is a key element as Perry Herrera interrupts her repetitive painting with moments of serene sound meditation.
The artist's garment becomes a dynamic entity, mirroring the pervasive energy of light, self, and nature. Across the course of the day, it undergoes a metamorphosis, echoing the ever-changing interplay of these elemental forces. Perry Herrera's performance serves as a poetic exploration of the intersection between the tangible and the intangible, creating a visually and experientially rich narrative within the gallery space.
American
2016
video of performative act
00:28 minutes
In this video, the artist employs a discreet camera to meticulously replicate an experience from her childhood, reenacting the crossing of an international U.S.-Mexico border checkpoint. Notably, her outward appearance contradicts her Mexican nationality, leading to the absence of requests for proof of American citizenship. This intentional subversion challenges and disproves the profiling stereotypes often associated with undocumented Mexican immigrants.
The artist strategically unveils her Mexican birth certificate in a public and assertive manner, using this act as a powerful visual commentary. By confronting and defying preconceived notions tied to appearance and nationality, the video becomes a compelling exploration of identity, immigration, and the potential flaws within border control systems. Through this thought-provoking piece, the artist invites viewers to reconsider assumptions about citizenship, emphasizing the need to question and challenge stereotypes that perpetuate discriminatory practices.
Rain Maker
2013
performative act, animated video/
1:10 minutes
The video serves as a dual portrayal: a genuine documentation of the artist's personal flight training and a narrative that explores hypothetical methodologies for addressing drought without chemical intervention. In this imaginative scenario, a fictional instant vapor-to-water converter, transported by airplane, aids the natural hydrological cycle. The artist navigates the delicate boundary between reality and fiction, drawing from her own imagination to transform speculative solutions into tangible realities, all while undergoing pilot training.
The artist's venture into becoming a pilot adds a personal and experiential dimension to the exploration of non-chemical approaches to combat drought. The fictional device, designed to convert vapor into water, becomes a symbol of the artist's imaginative quest to contribute innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The video not only captures the artist's journey into the realm of flight but also invites viewers to consider the intersection of creativity and practical problem-solving. By blending elements of reality and make-believe, the artist challenges conventional thinking, encouraging an exploration of possibilities beyond traditional approaches to environmental issues.
Water Bearer
2013
performative act, installation
(video excerpt) 1:00 minute
The interplay of objects and elements in this artistic endeavor is dynamic, with the artist assuming the role of a caretaker for both natural and artificial systems. The performative act, framed as the "water bearer," prompts a reconsideration of the performer's role, acknowledging the potential futility of this responsibility. Natural elements sourced from the Rio Grande River, including clay crafted for diverse applications, further enrich the narrative.
The performative act of being a "water bearer" becomes a metaphorical exploration of the artist's efforts to sustain and care for the environment, even in the face of apparent futility. The integration of natural and artificial elements, with their respective flaws and imperfections, serves as a poignant commentary on the intricate relationship between humanity and the ecosystems it inhabits.