May 28th, I conducted my second intervention, collaborating with other artists to plan an event focused on furniture and bondage. The inspiration for this activity stemmed from an everyday rope bondage practice where I whimsically attempted to bind my friend Momo to a chair. Momo and I became close friends through rope bondage, and she had requested to be tied up as a way to temporarily disconnect from her worries. The practice lasted over an hour, with Momo expressing her willingness to stand and requesting even tighter bindings with the chair. Throughout, I continuously asked about her sensations physically and mentally, adjusting the ropes promptly based on her feelings. Following this, we jointly planned new performances with other artists, and I crafted a performance costume from ropes.
“A home is a house or a kind of imagery? The empty flat will be filled with artists who explore the dynamics and individual observations of community, collective relationships, and the Chosen Family. When dusk falls, Luckypot artists will incarnate as an old rocking chair, a lonely body pillow, a three-legged side table, a crooked dressing mirror, a stray cashmere carpet, a tent that can’t cover any rain, a wind chime that doesn’t play with the wind, flowing within the house, and the audience are invited to participate in an adventure of everyday life.”
Compared to the first intervention, the audience for this event mainly comprised students from various art schools in London, representing the art community and Asians, with a minority of other ethnicities. The venue, unlike the first time, was indoors, providing a safe and intimate environment, also my familiar living space.
Though both interventions involved rope bondage, this one differed significantly. Firstly, my performance coordination with other artists improved. Secondly, the audience’s reactions were distinct, with a more engaged and ethical audience that integrated my performance into the entire storyline. I believe that, in a closed and intimate setting, transforming rope bondage into an artistic performance yields better results.
I randomly tied willing audience members during the event. An anonymous participant expressed, “The feeling of being tightly bound is quite serene. Initially nervous and worried, the contrast between the initial fear and the subsequent sense of safety brings calmness.” Additionally, my performance received positive reviews and shares on the internet, providing significant motivation for continued efforts.