Catalysis IV re-enactment

November 29 , 2003

Buffalo, NY

In 1970, Adrian Piper put a bath towel into her mouth and let

it hang down here front as she walked the streets of New

York City and rode the bus. She called this action "Catalysis

IV," one in a series of public performances in which her aim

was to "catalyze" and create an immediate connection

with unsuspecting participants. Piper's work after these actions

deals mainly with issues such as racism and xenophobia.

I find her work inspiring. She is also a philosopher and yogi.

More about Adrian Piper.

In 2003, I re-enacted this performance in Buffalo, NY. Prior to

carrying out the action, I wrote to Adrian Piper to request

consent to recreate Catalysis IV. Piper gave me permission,

and asked that I send her documentation of the event. She

then replied to my letter (below). It was all incredibly exciting.