Assault
Full Title: "Assault - Mocha Joka Coffee Shop "
March 29, 1995
9:00PM - 12:00AM
Alfred University
Elements: The Cube, Lights, Rope, Hood, Nude Model (Male), the
Amenities of the Coffee Shop
Assault was the second performance involving "the Cube".
At 9:00PM the artist and a single assistant brought the elements to be
used in the performance into the coffee shop on the campus of Alfred
University. As assembly of the cube began several people
volunteered to help. At 10:00PM the cube was completely assembled. The
artist disrobed, was bound, hooded and placed within the confines of
the cube. He stood there for 1 hour. After the completion of 1 hour,
the artist was released from the bindings and dressed. The cube was disassembled
and carried away by the artist and his assistant.
Notes and Observations:
- The pose chosen for this piece is known as the crucifixion. Typically this pose should not last longer than 45 minutes as suffocation may occur. The bindings and position cause the diaphragm to constrict making breathing difficult, labored and no longer an autonomous function.
- The coffee shop remained busy and bustling with conversation and patrons right up until the artist was placed inside the cube, at which time the room became immediately quiet.
- People continued to arrive at the coffee shop, but became startled and seemed confused at the presence of the performance. Soon after 10:00PM how people approached and interacted with the coffee shop became significantly different. The shop remained mostly quiet for the remainder of the evening. Several people took seats, drank coffee and conversed. It was noted that there were several groups of people who gathered away from the coffee shop, sending an envoy over to investigate what was going on, but not coming over themselves.