THE BREAK UP LETTER // THE LOVE LETTER

Nicolas Bourriaud states in his book Relational Aesthetics, "Now, contemporary art is often marked by non-availablity, by being viewable only at a specific time. The example of performance is the most classic of all. Once the performance is over, all that remains is documentation that should not be confused with the work itself" (29).
He also states, "The exploration of relations existing between, for instance, the artist and his/her gallery owner may determine forms and a project" (33).

My project will combine his two concepts expressed in these two quotes: art being an ephemeral experience and consisting of collaboration.

I drew my inspiration from Sophie Calle's break-up letter project where she had individuals analyze a break-up letter. Love and pain are sensitive topics and I enjoyed the fact that this break-up letter had the opportunity to surface these feelings in other people, through use of analysis.
My project will be different, however...

A group of individuals will be tapping into their feelings and write what they feel when given the instruction to "write a break up letter" and "write a love letter." They will be not required to write a whole letter, but a few sentences to express their feelings.
(Alcohol may be provided in this social setting in order to serve as a catalyst for these open feelings)
Once everyone who wishes to participate has anonymously written their sentences, I will combine the sentences of the break up letter to form one collaborative break up letter. Same with the love letter.

The purpose is not to have this documentation at the end, but the documentation rather serves as proof of the event. The art in this project is the social event, people socializing and opening themselves up and being vulnerable on paper. It may be difficult to get people to take this seriously, but that is okay! I am flexible and open to whatever the outcome may be. If people think about a specific person they once loved and write anonymously about them, then great! If people write a cheesy, borderline-humorous love letter... that is okay too.

The experience is the art, and part of the beauty of this art is being open to the unexpected.