SELF-CIRCLE (a work for Video. From.. '20 SELF-CIRCLES.. PROGRAMMES & INVESTIGATIONS '71.')

‘TO COMPREHEND REALITY ONE MUST SURROUND IT.' Write this statement in large letters on a strip of strong paper.. long enough to encircle your chest. Wrap this strip of paper around the upper part of your chest (under your arms.. chest normal) and join the ends of the strip of paper so that it forms a tight loop around your chest. When the strip is firmly in place, stand upright and breathe in deeply. Continue deep-breathing until the strip breaks or until it falls stretched in a loop to your waist or feet.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS: The performer should be positioned against a white ground. Before attaching the strip in place around the top of his chest.. he should remove his clothing (and underclothing) so that his chest is bare. On the performer placing the strip in place, and as he begins to deep-breathe, set the video camera rolling. The camera should be located at only a short distance from the performer.. and only the rhythmically expanding and contracting chest with its statement need be recorded. Videoing can be terminated as the strip falls from his chest.

NOTE: It is important that the cameraman be able to record the lettered statement clearly. So any adjustments needed to achieve this can be taken ad lib.

M.Parr(1971