Sandrine Schaefer Curatorial

The Squirrel Clock, 2023

Duration: on the hour, every hour for 3 hours

Come outside every hour, on the hour to see a spectacle like no other. Bobby will become a grandfather clock and take on the essence of Maggie the Squirrel, a treat that you have to see in person.

photos by Sandrine Schaefer

The Square was a collective action made by all artists involved in You Could Be Here. Through play, The Square explored tensions around the accessibility of public space, social permissions, and institutional oversight of creatively designated places. A portion of the floor was taped off for no apparent reason. At the beginning of the event, the artists led the audience in defining the square as an “off limits” zone. Throughout the evening, people were kept from entering the square. At the end of the evening, the artists entered the square and invited the audience in as an act of joyful reclamation.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca and Sandrine Schaefer

Cebastian Erin Thompson, Bobby, and Marcel Patterson

The Art of Chance, A Beautiful Creation (aka Cyclops), 2023

Duration: 8 minutes

Three individuals, brought together by chance,

Their task: to create a work of art, to enhance

The potential of objects, their uses and more,

To challenge conventions, and to explore.

Random selection brought them near,

To work with objects that weren't so clear,

What would they do, with these unknown things?

How would they transform them, make them sing?

The performance they created was bold,

A testament to creativity, to be told,

The audience watched, in awe and surprise,

As the artists transformed before their eyes.

In the end, what they created was art,

A work of beauty, that touched the heart,

Using random selection, they found a way,

To create something new, and make it stay.

———

poem created in collaboration ChatGPT

photos by Sandrine Schaefer

WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO DO? HELP ME! 2023

Duration: 3 hours

This work I am performing resembles life for many all around the world, but specifically focuses on homelessness in the surrounding area of Conway/Mrytle Beach. I personally spend a lot of time with the Homeless trying to bring them into my church, bring them food, and find resources to help them. I’ve noticed a few issues that I would like to bring to attention. This performance depicts what it is like for some to be homeless and not given support and or the knowledge on how to get out of the circumstance of having no place to call home and no knowledge of resources available. This piece is calling attention to the lack of people who help homeless people in a long-lasting way vs people who temporarily “help” the situation by giving money or food. Money given helps aid in negative behaviors adopted by those who have taken to the streets. Very rarely do homeless people use the money given to them for shelter or food (not all but many). This piece also brings attention to the places that are set in place to help souls that are on the streets, yet these places are not applicable because of lack of space and sanitary issues. There are not enough beds at shelters. They often have bed bugs there which is unhelpful to those who need a bed and a warm place to sleep. Many around have a lack of knowledge as to how to properly direct those who are on the street and give them proper resources, but even with proper resources...what do we do when those resources are failing? There is a need for knowledge and better resources. If people come together, change can be made. Will you ignore what you know now to be true? How can you help a homeless person today? Do you want temporary change or a long-lasting change to see your fellow brothers and sisters get back up on their feet? This is an experience for everyone to not ignore what’s right in their face and to help in a way that brings actual change instead of momentary comfort.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca and Sandrine Schaefer

Not Here, 2023

Duration: 3 hours

Hearing is not listening, seeing is not perceiving, and talking is not speaking.

I am interested in investigating what keeps people from engaging in the present moment and finding ways to help bring people back through humor, creativity, and joy. I believe that the human connection is where the joy of art lives, and I believe in the value of exercising our ability to connect.

As a physical artist, I am a necromancer of space, bringing the dead to life. This transformation is alchemical, as we trade our strengths for vulnerabilities, our walls into bridges, and our sorrows into joy. Through my work, I invite people to suspend their disbelief and step inside love. This transmutation of reality happens when we are willing to see the world from another perspective. As you enjoy my art, consider what it means to say hello, and what it means for somebody else to say hello to you.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

Break Through the Walls, 2023

Bobby is a multi-disciplinary artist who wants to transform the world by challenging the ordinary confines of everyday life. In Break Through the Walls, Bobby explores the walls of Fifth and Main and what history is hidden behind the interior’s beautiful renovation. The building once served as Conway’s Post Office, and with this in mind, Bobby asks witnesses to write a letter to a past version of themself as a way to break down their own inner walls. Bobby is determined to create a space where everyone can have fun living in the present moment. Our past can help us identify who we are, but it doesn’t have to define us.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

you were here, 2023

I frequently use metalworking in my practice. I primarily use brass and copper, both separately and in combination with each other. I often use found objects in my artwork. I also enjoy watercolors in my free time. My work is mainly to be used on the body or to adorn the body. I have some experience with hand-sewing and embroidery that has led me to become interested in fabric and wearable soft sculptures. I made my first performance art piece in 2021, and that experience led me to study performance art. In my exploration with performance art, I have come to enjoy one-to-one and small group performances. I have experimented with different forms of conversations and interactions that have led me to prefer to perform as more of a private experience for myself and a limited number of viewers.

This performance is in the form of making art and gifting it to someone. I make small, quick watercolors of different flowers chosen by interpreting my viewer. Flowers all have symbolism and characteristics tied to them. They have historically been used to communicate a message, whether of friendship, romance, or sympathy. Through casual conversation and questions, I will assign a flower that fits the viewer’s personality. The watercolor the viewer is painted will reveal first and fleeting impressions. When the performance is over, they will leave with their custom piece of artwork.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

Cebastian Erin Thompson,

Look at my Ugly, Sexy, Soothing, Dangerous Hair! 2023

Duration: 2.5 hours

I am fascinated by the concept of cognitive dissonance and the effect it has. It refers to the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values. This discomfort often leads me to feel overwhelmed and crave one clear idea. In this performance, I am exploring the complex emotions that arise from being a person with red hair. Red hair has been associated with fascination and obsession. The obsession with red hair is not only limited to its perceived beauty, but it has also been a source of fetishistic behavior. I have been subjected to bullying and discrimination based on my hair color, and the conflicting relationship relating to red hair has caused confusion. On one hand, it has brought feelings of being proud of my unique hair color while also experiencing feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. This has led to a struggle with my self-acceptance, as well as a sense of isolation and danger.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

Dirty Dancing, 2023

Duration: 2.5 hours

Through my performance, I seek to explore the beauty of movement and the power of the human body. By incorporating dirt and other elements into my movements, I aim to strip away the artificial barriers that separate us from our natural surroundings. One of those barriers being: toxic masculinity. As an artist, I am deeply concerned about the negative impact that toxic masculinity has on individuals and society as a whole. My work seeks to challenge harmful stereotypes and create a space for dialogue around issues of gender and power.

Through my art, I aim to deconstruct the harmful aspects of traditional masculinity and promote a more nuanced and inclusive rendition.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

We’re All Here, 2023

As an artist, I aim to convey the importance of having a community and social connection in alleviating depression. I am using performance artwork and ceramics to convey these topics. I take a piece of clay in between my hands and hold hands with a stranger. Then, we simply hold a conversation and I allow them to take up the space that they need in the moment. Ultimately, I hope to create a dialogue around mental health to promote more empathy and compassion towards those struggling as well as encourage individuals to reach out for support.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca

Special thanks to 5th and Main, Conway Downtown Alive, Hillary Howard, Harvest Moon Catering, Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery, the Visual Art Department at Coastal Carolina University, Daniel S. DeLuca, and our witnesses.

photos by Daniel S. DeLuca and Sandrine Schaefer