“PLEASE DON'T TOUCH” is an interactive art performance where visitors are invited to touch, experience and interact in the dark with “living” sculptures that will react to each touch. This performance introduces a new concept to sculpture that is meant to make the visitor focus on the inner self by substituting the sense of sight with that of touch. It raises questions pertaining to the role of image as a contemporary tool, the physical act of touching in artistic creation, and the relation of this tactile experience to memory. What is sculpting without a body? Communicating without body? Desiring without body?
“In today’s digital world, are we still engaging our sense of touch, or merely using our hands to click and swipe away? Should plastic arts be limited to a visual experience? How can I really and entirely share the sensual relationship I have with my art pieces with other people? I began answering these questions myself by experimenting and ultimately sculpting blindfolded in the dark. I understood art wasn’t only meant for the eyes and that touching art works could trigger intense alternative reactions and a stronger relationship to them.”
This performance re-explores senses and re-defines the codes of art exhibitions.
What if you have to touch to see...?
This interactive scuptural performance took place at Station Beirut in 2014. It was curated by Agial Art Gallery.
CREDITS:
Concept: Nadine Abou Zaki | Living” sculptures: Lisa Chehade | Textile recreation: Bshara Atallah | Expressionistic film: Muriel Aboulrouss | Artistic lighting: Alaa Minawi.
In the media:
- Radio Monte Carlo: معرض في الظلام للكاتبة والنحاتة نادين أبو زكي في بيروت
- L'Orient Le Jour: Permis de toucher, même dans le noir
- Al-Hasnaa: دع عينيكَ الآثمتين خارج الصالة
- Agenda Culturel: Nadine Abou Zaki expérimente la sculpture dans le noir
- الأخبار: نادين أبو زكي_ لمساً وسمعاً وبصراً
- المستقبل: منحوتات نادين أبو زكي ذكورة حجرية وأنوثة خشبية.. وكائن
- AlJarida.com: منحوتات نادين أبو زكي في بيروت
- مجلة لها: «نرجو اللمس» معرض منحوتات تفاعلي لنادين أبو زكي