'Hat Stand' was a live performance I made in December 2019 at the Feminist Library, for their exhibition and celebration event, prior to moving their collection to a new building.
I created the piece site-specifically with an over-sized tubular steel hat stand which was part of their furniture, and incorporated written material I had created in my residency Touch Wood, describing my interactions with plants. I approached the large hat stand and removed my scarf, coat, and cardigan. I then climbed into the hat stand and began to bind my hair to its hooks until I was firmly stuck. I then read pages from my writing on attaching to nature, sometimes held in my mouth, scattering pages/leaves on the floor. I then engaged in a rocking, pulling tussle with the hatstand, precariously, manoeuvring it with my head which was still attached to the steel structure by my hair until I was able, with difficulty, to free myself from it. I then replaced my clothes.
Thank you to PB
Photos by E Trezzi, edited GB
