Intro
Helen Mirra: Half-Smiler
Different Locations, New York City
Artadia's 15th Anniversary Exhibition, Longhouse Projects, New York
15 September–3 October 2014
Content
In this poetic performance people were invited to join walking groups criss-crossing New York City every day for the duration of three weeks. At once the artist used this going public for developing the so called half-smile, an enigmatic facial expression in between deep relaxation and friendly facade.
From the artist's statement:
"Most mornings during the three-week period I'll be walking from one place to another in New York City, in a generally northwesterly direction (away from the sun), focused on developing the half-smile.
You are welcome to meet me at a beginning place and then separately walk, focused on developing the half-smile, to the next meeting place, where we'll have lunch together (bill is footed). Afternoon meeting place will be relayed at beginning meeting place. The piece was a commission for the 15th anniversary of Artadia in New York consisting of two shows and several outdoor pieces.
Tips for comfortable longish-distance walking: commonsensical footwear, e.g. arch support, spacious toe boxes raingear rather than umbrella when showers in the forecast travel light, in pockets or knapsack possibly a compass the half-smile is both autonomous and intended towards other beings,
the half-smile is not a grin or a smirk, the half-smile is both a substantial commitment and an easy employment, the walking is both a substantial commitment and an easy employment, the walking is not competitive or documented, the walking is both regardless of and regarding the weather, (...)"