The words
‘performance’ and ‘lifestyle’ are bandied around a lot these days. They conjure up ideas of individuals making
the most, or getting the most, or squeezing the most out of whatever lifestyle
choice it is that they are currently pursuing. The idea of performance in
contemporary society is one that might imply ‘performance indicators’ or ‘high
performance’, and perhaps a sense of fitness, committed training, elite
athleticism, triathlons, bodybuilding and other overachiever obsessions. ‘Lifestyle’ is one of those dirty words that
I often feel a little cynical towards, especially in light of ‘lifestyle
television’ or ‘lifestyle choices’, though there is no escaping the fact that
we all make ‘lifestyle choices’ and live out one lifestyle or another.
In the context of
this research project and reflections upon the idea of portraits and
personalities I think of ‘performance lifestyle’ in another manner. In particular, I think of those people who
develop a lifestyle devoted to performing. Not performing in the sense of ‘in
the theatre’ or “I’m a performance artist – come and watch my video” but those
people who are committed to outdoors, on the street, real live, everyday type
of performance. It’s the kind of
performers who genuinely engage with a real public and challenge people’s day-to-day
sense of what may or may not constitute reality or the norm.
I’m not talking
about buskers and people who pursue or expect a financial exchange. I’m talking
about people who put on a show, regardless of financial outcomes. These are the
people that ‘give’, culturally, on a daily basis. It’s something like the ideals of street art
where art comes out of the confines of a gallery and is “just there for
everybody, man”, though we all know that street art always has a bit that you
can buy.
Certainly, this
project aspires to those big ideals and I get a huge kick out freaking people
out on a daily basis. My research seems
to indicate that the general public are at ease with bicycles as they know
them, but they are often flabbergasted that someone might alter a bicycle in
order to make it more entertaining. I
love the looks that people give you – kind of variations on fear, shock,
nausea, having just soiled their smalls and outright hilarity. This contorted facial expression is often
combined with overall body language that indicates the viewer has just
witnessed some giant glitch in the matrix that they better hurry up and
photograph on their mobile device before the gaping schism in reality closes
over again. (As an aside, I wonder whether contemporary Ghostbusters might simply
capture supernatural nemeses on iPads.) These comments should not be read as a
criticism of the general public as I enjoy acting out this cultural transaction
and playing on it, I enjoy the role of performer.
There are many
heroes, all over the world, of the Performance Lifestyle genre and I would like
to take this opportunity to tip my hat to some of the more distinct that I have
encountered and enjoyed on a regular basis.
Johnny Haysmann’s
physical stature is dwarfed only by his legendary status as an Adelaide
icon. Equal parts enigma and celebrity,
Johnny’s white gumboots, speedos and various array of accessories have been
seen striding proudly through Rundle Mall and into the South Australian shared
psyche for what seems like decades. Here
is a link to his own website which offers a warm and personal insight into the
man and his motivations.
Victor Lancaster,
Melbourne’s infamous bucket drummer has kept the CBD alive for many years. His beats have been celebrated on numerous occasions
and made into several recordings. You can
read a little more about Victor here.
You simply must
watch this beautiful video of Darwin’s Trevor Jenkins, the Rubbish
Warrior. Trevor devotes his time to
constructing ephemeral sculptures out of roadside detritus- in between running
for mayor and generally fighting the good fight.
