Liam Benson recently performed as part of the Free Fall line up at Oxford Art Factory over two nights on Friday 29th and Sat 30th June.
"Introduced in 2011, Free Fall transformed the glass cube of Oxford Art Factory into a series of live art installations. These installations, performed between the glass of the multi-roomed live music venue, interacted with the gig-goers and audience members, incorporating the use of colour, endurance, movement and other experimental processes...
The Free Fall concept is a fresh approach to art making using spontaneity and imagination to connect with audiences outside of the generic gallery space and into the bustling night time environment of the Oxford Art Factory.
For Free Fall 2012, Benson presents an empathetic performance about masculine emotion titled ‘Threshold’ which is part of the artist’s broader exploration of contemporary masculinity.
Part of Benson’s exploration considers masculine sub-culture, how men communicate, bond together and find their sense of belonging. By embodying characters based on archetypal masculine figures within masculine sub-cultures, Benson acts out and explores patterns of behavior which define their identity and place within the community.
The performance ‘Threshold’ features a character dressed in dark clothes, shrouded by a hoodie. Despite it being a common silhouette on the streets, the hood bestows a sense of mystery and anonymity to it’s wearer, who when placed within a darkened space becomes a person of suspicion. Through the illumination of fairy lights and graffiti, the otherwise hidden characteristics of the figure are made visible. " (John A. Douglas - Curator).
