Video Works

SELF PORTRAIT AS A FOUNTAIN

SELF PORTRAIT AS A FOUNTAIN, 2013 

Single channel video 

00:04:21 Seconds, stereo, non-dialogue

“Self-Portrait as a Fountain” is a short performance art work by Shahram Entekhabi in which the artist’s own body plays the main role as the medium for the work. Inspired by Bruce Nauman’s photographic work “Self-Portrait as a Fountain” from 1966-67, Entekhabi’s work refers to the performance by the artist as a fountain, but with a significant change in the meaning by replacing water with blood spat by the artist.

With this simple but impressive performance, the body plays the role both as the subject and as a sculpture, moving between performance art, self-portrait, and living image. The change from water to blood adds an instant of physical intensity and vulnerability to the performance, transforming the ironic character of Nauman’s work to a more fragile and physical performance.

Humor and discomfort are mixed in the performance as the body appears to be exposed and at the same time asserts itself through the performance. “Self-Portrait as a Fountain” does not show a fixed and monumental self-image of the artist but rather an unstable self-portrait.

Exhibitions & Screenings :

We Make History Not Money, 2020, curated by Raúl Zamudio, Proyectos Raúl Zamudio, New York, USA