Guillermo Gómez-Peña
Master Class and Salon Performance

In May/June 2004 I participated in a week-long Master Class and Salon Performance led by the international artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña and supported by Emiko Lewis.
The master class explored contemporary issues of representation using some of the many experimental techniques and concepts developed by the San Francisco based 'trans-disciplinary arts organization'Pocha Nostra. One of the central elements of this master class was the continuous re-making of three-dimensional static images that dramatically juxtaposed familiar cultural references to create complex and highly charged layers of meaning.

The Salon Performance took place at The Commercial X-Ray Factory in Birmingham (3rd June 2004) and was attended by around 200 people.
During the performance the clear line between audience, participant and performer became increasingly blurred as potent images were continually formed and dissipated through the almost magical guidance of Guillermo Gómez-Peña. Against a powerful and eclectic soundtrack that added to the intense atmosphere, artist Sandra Hall provided a shifting vocal layer that interpreted some of the scenes as they evolved.
My own role in the performance was to play Homage to the Dead Soldier which was directly inspired by the tragic events unfolding in Iraq.

Taking part in the Salon event were Grace Niridtu, Julie O´Neil, Carolyn Morton, Priya Mistry, Jiva Parthipar, Sandra Hall, Lee Griffiths, Jade Maravala, Emma Wolukau-Wanambwa, Simon Walker and Eleanor Hoad.