Name: Alicia Grullón

Title of project and short description

“The Rule is Love #2” is a performance that deals with normalized practices of spectatorship, exclusion, apathy, and conformity. The image accompanying this blog is from the first performance working off of these ideas which I did for The 8th Floor as part of the exhibition “Enacting Stillness” curated by Sara Reisman. For that I asked audience to keep me away from the 2000 tacks on the ground. Through this piece for AIOP, I attempt to undo societal conditioning in regards to safety, community, and generosity as it relates to the female body of color. For my performance I will transverse 14th Street, starting on Ave D to 10th Avenue blindfolded, unable to move my hands. In order to arrive safely, passersby and participants will be asked to guide me across without leading me but using props or other solutions they may manifest.

How have you chosen to interpret the theme “SENSE?”

As a performer, I’ve chosen to take away my primary sense and rely mostly on the others as a part of my experience. Then I ask people to use all of theirs to activate their sense to care. There’s a moment where my actions are completely senseless- with no logic. My main question is to us as a whole: how do we get it together to be human with each other in a senseless time? It seems that is what is in great need.

Why do you believe 14th Street is a compelling site for creative response?

14th street is so busy! What a challenge in which to do this project.

What reactions are you hoping to draw from the public?

Care. I hope people care and continue to do so.