Props for WE-ING
Exhibited at EX-FACTORY as part of the KULES residency, Stoke on Trent
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We-ing is set within the aftermath of the Black Panties Promo Party at Monroe Civic Centre, Louisiana on 28 October 2013 when R Jelly - the tribute act of the "King of RnB", American singer-songwriter R Kelly - reportedly appeared in R Kelly's place. A series of objects and drawings positioned throughout the building are used as props within the narrative video that positions the EX-FACTORY audience as its protagonist. Being asked to take a position within the narrative, you/us/we are invited to project ourselves around the building we've walked around and the things we've seen. As the video continues, the narrative seeps out beyond an analysis of what happened at the Black Panties Promo Party - centred on selfhood and authenticity - into a more general exploration of dominant culture's reliance on those who gain success by exploiting the power afforded to them.
Thanks to Glen Stoker and Robin Cooper for the photos.
Photos 1-7: Glen Stoker
Photos 8-11: Robin Cooper
