DEFENSE is a performance activated installation that speaks to the ongoing healthcare and political crises in the United States. The space is dominated by a 10 feet long American flag made out of hospital gowns. Fragments of gowns such as sleeves, pockets, and laces form the USA flag. Fundamentally, the piece challenges the inadequate health care system and the government response during the Covid-19 pandemic and honors first responders, essential workers, patients, and the memory of the people that lost the battle with the virus.
On April 16 and April 23, I performed three-hour-long pieces with hospital gowns that have U.S. state mottos sewn on them. The performance questions the history, meaning, and sincerity of state mottos by positioning them directly on the intimate remnants of the ongoing healthcare crises—hospital gowns. During the three-hour long performances, I was reading the Constitution of the United States of America. I started the first performance by wearing eight hospital gowns. During the action, I was taking breaks from reading the Constitution and I was asking a witness if they could fold it for me. Then, I would take off one hospital gown at a time and hammer it to the gallery walls. The second performance was a reverse version of the initial one. I started naked and from time to time, I was taking a gown off the walls and wearing it.
SVA Magazine Feature: Georgia Lale: At the Intersection of Performance and Activism
DEFENSE was presented at The Border Gallery, curated by Jamie Martinez.
Documentation by Kostas Lales
