If you missed her most recent installation (click for our post) at Christopher Henry Gallery, fear not – Agata Oleksiak AKA Olek is coming back this June to the streets of New York. Inspired by Yoko Ono’s 1964 book of ‘instructions’, Olek combines her impeccable crochet skills with performance art in Crocheted Grapefruit, a participatory piece that aims to engage the public and encourage human interaction. In Olek’s own words, “For the last seven years I have been creating socially conscious public ‘actions’ that shape, inform, and transform the dialogue between performer, observer, and participant.”
This ‘action’ in particular will be an enactment of Ono’s “Painting to Shake Hands” instruction and will involve performers covered head-to-toe in crocheted bodysuits. The performers will extend their hands through holes in canvases, inviting anyone and everyone to shake hands. Not only is she brightening up the streets of New York with her work, but Olek is also donating 50% of the proceeds made from sales of artifacts from the performance to Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.
Dates and locations of Olek’s Crocheted Grapefruit
Sunday, June 19, 2-5pm – Times Square
Monday, June 20, 2-5pm – Wall Street
Tuesday, June 21, 2-5pm – Grand Central *In case of inclement weather, Sunday or Monday’s performance may move into Grand Central Station.
For more information on Olek’s work and upcoming events, visit her website.
For those who have yet to see Olek in action, here’s a video of one of her performances/installations:
[video:http://vimeo.com/20993358 425×344]
