The Portfolio of Justin Simoni
Words (Kerouac)
For Rhinoceropolis's Drawing-only show, I decided to do an impromptu performance. I had found a pair of beautiful WWII-era wool navy pants and wanted to wear them. This show's opening seemed to be a good venue to do so... but why?
In a flash, I had concocted an idea for a performance: I would act as if I was a navy private, on ship's leave and looking to get nautical-themed tattoos.
A hat made out of newspaper and twenty Sharpies later, I was set. I sat in the middle of the gallery and asked people to draw on me, all over me, anywhere - whatever they'd like and no, they didn't have to tell me beforehand.
"Sam" with his fisherman w/boat, tattoo.
Such freedom given from such a goofy guy gave mixed results. Some people kept to the nautical theme. Other's took advantage of my openess and drew obscenities. I never said, "Stop", or, "That's not what I want". I was more interested in what people would create given no boundaries on what's correct. The theme of the tattoos quickly turned from, "Nautical" to, "Nautical" and, "Naughty-cal".
Still, a very fun little performance.
A mermaid, breasts modeled after Britanny's(to my right)
After many, many hours performing:
Photo by David Zimmer
Photo by David Zimmer
Photo by David Zimmer