An Interview with Dayna McLeod
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
An Interview with Dayna McLeod
Dayna McLeod is a Montréal-based performance artist and video maker… and she’s very funny. Winner of many prizes and awards, her work speaks to the masses with rare and powerful humour rooted in visionary feminist politics. It’s very likely that you’ve seen Dayna, but didn’t even know it: she embodies her message everywhere and in every way–from her infamous Santa Beaver to her newer (picture on the right) Monarchy Mama–her art travels far and wide.
Monarchy Mama is an interactive, in-situ performance piece that pushes monarchial iconography beyond its limits of excess, gluttony, sexuality, and exploitation into the realm of absurd disgust. Entering the venue in a floor-length royal robe, I situate myself on a platform, stage, or pedestal that is easily accessible to the audience. Dramatically throwing the robe to the ground reveals a multi-mammaried body. Wearing a throat to crotch body suit made out of vinyl breasts, a regal Marie Antoinette wig, satin gloves, and royal jewels, my intention with this piece is to challenge an audiences' relationship to government, and the romance, sexualization, and fetishization of state and country. The audience will literally be able to "suckle at the teat of prosperity" as each breast is filled with vodka.
Interview by Mél Hogan for ArtThreat | Via
Before she says a word she's already demonstrated a feminist/political viewpoint. What a fabulously spirited performer!
Dayna McLeod is a Montréal-based performance artist and video maker… and she’s very funny. Winner of many prizes and awards, her work speaks to the masses with rare and powerful humour rooted in visionary feminist politics. It’s very likely that you’ve seen Dayna, but didn’t even know it: she embodies her message everywhere and in every way–from her infamous Santa Beaver to her newer (picture on the right) Monarchy Mama–her art travels far and wide.
Monarchy Mama is an interactive, in-situ performance piece that pushes monarchial iconography beyond its limits of excess, gluttony, sexuality, and exploitation into the realm of absurd disgust. Entering the venue in a floor-length royal robe, I situate myself on a platform, stage, or pedestal that is easily accessible to the audience. Dramatically throwing the robe to the ground reveals a multi-mammaried body. Wearing a throat to crotch body suit made out of vinyl breasts, a regal Marie Antoinette wig, satin gloves, and royal jewels, my intention with this piece is to challenge an audiences' relationship to government, and the romance, sexualization, and fetishization of state and country. The audience will literally be able to "suckle at the teat of prosperity" as each breast is filled with vodka.
Interview by Mél Hogan for ArtThreat | Via
Before she says a word she's already demonstrated a feminist/political viewpoint. What a fabulously spirited performer!
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