Herring is known for his hand knitted mylar and tape sculptures that are a tribute to Ethyl Eichelberger. However, I am more interested in his use of participants for his video art. He created simple, improvised videos during the late 1990’s, and the intimacy of these pieces contrasted with the solitary knitting works. These works allowed Herring to explore the participant’s personality in a way the he considered otherwise impossible. The use of art as a social medium is something that appeals to me.
Above is a video of a participant talking about his experience as a participant in Herring’s videos.
Studio (2004) with larger photographs in background: Shane After Hours of Spitting Food Dye Indoors, Chris After Hours of Spitting Food Dye Outdoors
I also appreciate the beauty of Herring’s larger photographs, captured after hours of repeatedly spitting dye in the air. The works also involved participants and the element of chance. Similar to the Sony videos (see Studio), the works evoke a place of youthfulness, but also peace and vulnerability (possibly because of the large size and portrait composition).
Puneet Bhachu 