Thursday, July 19, 2012

My Little Pony Performance Art

Dennis Verbeke, who studies fine arts at Gerrit Reitveld University  in Amsterdam, has created a performance art  piece that he calls “Pony Performance.” It includes an original soundtrack, special lighting design, and 212 My Little Pony toys.  He sits on a lighted platform surrounded by the ponies and gingerly picks them up, examines them, and brushes their rainbow colored locks with a tiny star shaped brush.
At this point, I feel it necessary to add that I know little to nothing of performance art other than every time I have experienced it, it makes me feel utterly confused. I’m never sure how I should react.  Should I read into it to discover its deeper hidden truths or should I giggle at its absurdity?...( I usually remove myself from its proximity as soon as possible lest the giggling wins out and I look like a judgmental ass.)  
So I’m watching this clip of “Pony Performance” trying to keep an open mind and I’m wondering, “Should I ponder the greater meaning of the pony selection?” and “Does the direction and frequency of the brushing of the pony hair actually have some significance?”  I continue to watch the full four minute clip and am kind of impressed by the thought and effort that went into this piece. Upon reading a few of Mr. Verbeke’s blog entries it becomes evident that he did not amass a sizable collection for use solely in his performance, but that his performance was instead inspired by his collection.
If I told you I understood what was at the heart of “Pony Performance” I’d be lying, but I do think it is pretty great that this artist was able to create something out of something he loves.
Dennis Verbeke is raising money through a crowd fundraising website to help cover his costs to perform his “Pony Performance” in August 2012 in Stockholm.

4 comments:

Cayci said...

Where on earth did you find this? My jaw was dropped so long a bug could have flown in.

Bee-chan said...

Hi Summer!
Would you happen to have a physical link to the clip you're talking about? My Blackberry might not be showing any embedded video at the moment if it isn't from Youtube. ^^;

But that video actually sounds interesting! A performance piece based off of something the artist loves is fantastic, it's like he's showing his viewers a true part of his heart.

~~Bee

Summer said...

Cayci- he actually contacted me wanting to know if the MLP Fair would want to donate/sponsor his trip to Stockholm. :)

Bee-Chan- Here is the actual youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS9FTLhr5Hs

Rachel said...

I don't have the credentials to properly appreciate modern art. Does the version of Toxic as a song choice mean something? Is he making a statement about childhood? Ponies? The political climate of the 1980s? I just don't know.

I suppose, though, if someone wanted to pay me to sit surrounded by my collection--I might. But chances are I'd be nervously laughing the whole time. :)