O [2017]
durational performance
Concept: Federica Dauri
Performance: Federica Dauri, Martina Gabrielli
Design: Rommelo Yu
Construction: Christian Stolle
O is a durational performance of five hours, featuring a cylindrical sculpture. The sculpture, constructed from steel and PVC, stands 220 cm tall with a base measuring 85 cm in diameter and is enclosed by four transparent panels. Within this enclosed space, an electric pump relentlessly drips oil onto the naked bodies of the two performers, Dauri and Gabrielli, as they remain in a continuous embrace. The steady flow of oil creates a dynamic environment where the embrace evolves, physically and emotionally, over the course of the performance.At the heart of O lies a deep exploration of the archetype of the hug, which transforms into a profound metaphor for human connection, vulnerability, and endurance. The embrace, a simple yet universal gesture, takes on multiple layers of meaning throughout the piece. Initially, it may evoke feelings of love, comfort, and mutual support, but as time progresses, it begins to embody more complex and even contradictory emotions—necessity, dependence, constraint, and the tension between intimacy and entrapment. As the oil continuously coats the performers, the physical challenge of maintaining the embrace becomes more pronounced. The bodies become slippery and the act of holding on requires increasing effort. The embrace in O transcends mere physical contact, becoming a lived experience of co-existence and shared limits. As Dauri and Gabrielli hold each other, they embody the tension between individual autonomy and collective endurance. Their mutual dependence within the performance space underscores the delicate balance between personal boundaries and the need for connection.
Photo credit: Jeremy Carne Photo credit: Jeremy CarnePhoto credit: Jeremy CarnePhoto credit: Kiril Bikov