Manageable Matter: Maces I-IX, explore notions of gravity and grace through distinct sculptural variations upon artichoke hearts—closed, mid-bloom, and in full blossom. Through the addition of light, metal, wood, and silicone, these forms are embraced by mace-like stems; beginning with a medieval bludgeoning mace, they grow into drum major staffs with branches and stems, that morph into longer poles of driftwood. These works represent violent and adaptable prothesis, that will be used as performative objects for a series of events concentrated on ‘Optimistic Incrementalism’, and carried by nine performers.

The series of medieval, parliamentary, and ceremonial maces explore a conflation between Ciro “The Artichoke King” Terranova (July 1988—February 20, 1938) who was a mobster who dominated the artichoke trade in America; the play, “The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI” by Bertolt Brecht, which is a detailed analysis of the economic and psychological roots of fascism that is based on the above story (although artichokes were exchanged for cauliflower); and “Glitch Feminism: a manifesto”, by Legacy Russell (Verso books, 2020).

Credits

• Blacksmith: Bartholomäus Kinner
• Glass Assistance: William Faulkner, Berlin Glas e.V.
• 3D Modelling and Light: Daniel Neubacher
• SFX: Caterina Veronesi
• Performers: NINE
• Composer: Anna Bauer
• Costume design: Don Aretino & Muyao Zhang