Art Intervention Project

Silent Dressing Room is a performance art piece that explores the internal struggle of body dysmorphia through a simple yet emotionally charged act: getting dressed. Set in a minimal space with a mirror and a rack of various outfits, the performer cycles through clothing changes in complete silence, each change followed by an intense, anxious interaction with the mirror. The performer’s facial expressions, posture, and gestures express discomfort, frustration, and self-criticism, never appearing satisfied with what they see, no matter the outfit. This repetition highlights how body dysmorphia distorts self-image, making even neutral or fashionable clothing feel “wrong” or inadequate.

The audience is invited to observe the performance from a distance but cannot intervene. An optional audio component can include a recorded inner monologue playing on loop through speakers or individual headphones, voicing intrusive thoughts like “This looks terrible,” “You’re not enough,” or “Why can’t you just look normal?” The contrast between the silent physical performance and the inner voice emphasizes the mental toll of body dysmorphia, showing that the real battle isn’t with the clothes, but with the mind. The piece aims to make visible the invisible, offering viewers an intimate look at a psychological experience often misunderstood or dismissed.

Chapter 9 Utopia, The Art of Activism

Q- Our goals must be utopian, for imagining utopia is essential for any creative and effective transformative action. As the radical scholar Robin D.G. Kelley reminds us, “The most radical art is not protest art but works that take us to another place, envision a different way of seeing, perhaps a different way of feeling.”

R- This quote emphasizes the importance of imagination in activism and art. True transformation begins with the ability to dream beyond current limitations. I agree that radical art isn’t just about resisting what's wrong; it’s about envisioning what could be right. It challenges us to feel, see, and experience the world differently, which is essential for sparking real change.

Q- Æffective artistic activism entails a modulation between the possible and the impossible, between the pragmatic and the utopian. Sometimes you have to rely on what you know will work, and sometimes you have to dream wild dreams.

R- This quote highlights the balance needed in artistic activism, grounding our work in reality while reaching for bold, visionary ideas. It's a reminder that impactful art doesn’t always have to be fully practical; sometimes, its strength lies in daring to imagine the impossible. Effective change often comes from that tension between what is and what could be.