“Art is not only white space gallery, it is also public places, railways stations and restaurants. It is a very important thing”. So says Japanese performance artist and photographer Tatsumi Orimoto who, in caring for his elderly dependent mother with Alzheimer’s, has made this daily routine a whimsical art experience filled with humour and compassion. As she gradually forgets, Orimoto has remembered her steadfast support for his art from an early age, despite the sometimes cruel discouragement of his father, and includes her in his performances as collaborator and muse. Orimoto has made his caregiver’s life with Mama a playful, creative, sometimes macabre and disturbing experience and his performances make visible not only his boundless love for her but also that which is usually hidden from view.
Auckland Festival of Photography presents a series of posters and performance video by artist Tatsumi Orimoto. 1 - Beethoven-Mama: Performance 2012, Kawasaki City. Home. Japan (DVD, 16 minutes) 2 - Mozart-Mama. Dinner: Performance 2013, Kawasaki City. Home. Japan (DVD, 60 minutes) 3 - Elvis Presley Changing Diapers: Performance 2013, Kawasaki City. Home. Japan (DVD, 22 minutes). Some content may offend.
