Benjamin Lotan

A two month undercover performance piece and research mission in Jerusalem. The performance documentation which consists of photos, video footage and audio recordings, becomes material for video works, and subsequent performances.

What began as an honest inquiry quickly became a more performative investigation into the recruiting practices of the United States Army. Assuming the role of the ideal candidate I documented the relationship I formed with my recruiting agent, The Sarge.

By back-projecting onto a white sheet covering my front appartment window, I created a large screen that was clearly visable from the street. Each night for a week, My roomate and I set up a live video feed from inside the appartment and shared our nightly activities with the outside world.

20 minute micro-performance with Shani Pak.

Suicide is a durational performance in which I portrayed the role of a suicidal individual. For one week I wore a special t-shirt and handed out postcards inviting people to join me for a public suicide event. I also recorded a suicide video, in which I explain the reasons why I decided to end my life.

For this performance, I used a water pipe to smoke a concentrated form of the psychoactive herb known as salvia. Although salvia can have significantly more powerful effects than cannabis or LSD, it remains legal and unregulated in most countries. I produced a video of the resulting 15 minute trip, and the footage was emailed to the white house, as well as several members of congress.

A space used strictly for formal observation and research is reappropriated as a site for nonsensical play and intimicy. The hour-long performance was looped and streamed "live" on the internet for a 24 hour period. Allowing the performers to exist simultaneously live in person and online.

For this four year performance, I enrolled myself in an ordinary high school and assumed the identity of a bright and entusiastic young student. Partaking in many of the classic high school activities, I spent four years attending classes and making friends.