Holly Timpener will be spending an anticipated 7 hours in the Spencer Mansion foyer of the AGGV, activating the space with a "durational performance that resists normative spoon-fed ideas and perceptions of gender."

As a Fem, non-binary person, I am often resisting normative spoon-fed gender ideologies. It took me a long time to realize that I can look however I want and be the gender I know I am. In my life, I’ve struggled with self-image and body dysmorphia along with gender dysphoria. I have moved through life performing for others, so I didn’t have to encounter my internal self. I thought it would be easier this way.

Image Credit: Holly Timpener, pu.ri.fy, performance, Palazzo Mora,Venice IT, photographed by Shelby Deluney. Courtesy of the artist.

In this work, I use time to transform my desire to please others. I invite the tension of uncomfortability to teach me how sweet it can be to move through the struggles of life focused on my desires. Each spoon of sugar I carry up the stairs possesses an invitation to discover something new about myself. Each time I powder my face, I embrace an opportunity to consider and reconstruct normative gender expectations. The marks I leave on the rope indicate a collaboration of asking for and accepting help along my journey. This performance exhibits an intimate journey of internal transformation and personal discovery, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and offering hope to others on a similar journey.

Image Credit: The Spencer Mansion foyer and staircase in the Art Gallrey of Greater of Victoria, where Holly Timpener will spend 8 hours performing A Spoon Full of Sugar. Courtesy of the AGGV.

 

Artist Statement, Holly Timpener

 

A Spoon Full of Sugar is curated by Dr. Toby Lawrence, AGGV Curator of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with Camosun College Visual Arts Department.

Join us on Saturday, November 23, between 10am-5pm to see some of this performance.
LEARN MORE

This performance will be preceded by an off-site Artist Talk with Holly Timpener at Camosun College.

 

Feature Image: Holly Timpener, Trans Bible Readings, 2022, performance, Place Fort LaTour, Saint John NB, photographed by Shelby Delune. Courtesy of the artist.