In 2013 Outset Israel supported artist Einat Amir's exhibition titled 'Our Best Intentions' at Petach Tikva Museum of Art.
Einat Amir’s solo exhibition comprised two states: a video installation and a performance. The performance invited 20 viewers to take part in a collaborative event, whose participants were divided into four groups, each experiencing a session of group dynamics conducted by a facilitator. It was not possible to enter the performance without taking part in it.
When no performance was taking place, the exhibition space hosted four video screenings. The screenings showed one filmed performance, in which the participants have chosen black vests inscribed with words such as "career", "disappointment", "mother", "sex". The participants operated in a space divided into four domestic sections – study, bedroom, dining room and living room. These spaces were also reconstructed in the museum, with the viewers invited to visit them and watch the video installation.
In recent years Amir’s work has revolved around the production of laboratory conditions for the study of behaviour and culture. This time she did it in a space that resembled the set of a television sitcom, with theatrical dynamics, but accompanied by a team of professional facilitators, and without the presence of cameras, spectators or any other factor that restricts the modes of participation. This event extended over an axis that ranged between performance, acting and authentic participation, and revealed the way we incessantly present ourselves, and the possibility that there is no necessary contradiction between performance and authenticity.
ON VIEW: 17th October 2013 - 4th January 2014
This exhibition was presented in New York as part of Performa 13 in November 2013.
