Acclaimed international performance artist Anthea Moys has once again thrown down the gauntlet – this time challenging leaders of South African political parties and members of the public to arm-wrestle for their cause.
TEAM MOYS fans are taking bets on the odds and the Association of Visual Arts (The AVA) and Arterial Network South Africa’s arts advocacy campaign – Why Should We Vote for You, have partnered the artist.
HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT FOR THE ARTS
The title of the work, which will take place at the AVA Gallery in Cape Town on Saturday the 26th of April, 2014, is:
‘Anthea Moys vs. The African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance, the Economic Freedom Fighters, the Congress of the People, Agang, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the United Democratic Movement, the Freedom Front Plus, the African Christian Democratic Party, the United Christian Democratic Party, the Pan African Congress, the Minority Front, the Azanian People’s Organisation, the African People’s Convention and the National Freedom Party.’
Leaders from all parties contesting the national elections are invited, as are courageous members of the press, public and arts community. Political leaders can battle out their party’s arts policies and plans while Moys is expected to be on top form.
According to a TEAM MOYS insider, “They had better watch out. She has single-handedly taken on Grahamstown and Geneva and she is using the same hand.”
Anthea Moys is one of South Africa’s leading performance artists. She was the inaugural winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Performance Art in 2013, and her work has been shown extensively around the world. Her work often finds playful ways to wrestle with serious subjects.
Using the arm-wrestling podium (2007) by sculptor Johann van der Schijff, a win will be counted as a point for the party, a loss will be counted as a point for Anthea Moys. A representative of the IEC will be in attendance to ensure the contest is free and fair. In addition to contending politicians, members of the press and public may elect to arm-wrestle for a party of their choice. All wins and losses will be recorded on a giant ballot featuring the names of all the political parties. At the end of the performance, the scores will be tallied and a winner will be announced.
The performance will be followed by a moderated public debate about the art of politics, and the politics of art.
“We anticipate a large turnout, extensive media coverage, and a spirited debate. We hope that you will be able to join us for this one-of-a-kind piece of political performance art. Please take responsibility for your personal warm up. We do take any responsibility for injuries incurred,” said Gerard Bester, TEAM MOYS’ referee for the event.
WHERE: AVA Gallery, 35 Church St, Cape Town
WHEN: Saturday 26th April 11am-1pm: Arm-Wrestling 1pm-3pm: Free Lunch and Spirited Debate
INFO: Laura Windvogel at AVA Galllery
E: info@ava.co.za T: 0214247436
0214247436 C: 08285238780828523878
