In an upcoming performance art piece, Holly Timpener will be spending 8 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.
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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.