 |
'the artwork that turns us into witnesses leaves us, above all, unable to stop thinking, talking and reporting what we have seen' - Tim Etchells |
The Guinness World Record Book©- first published in 1955 - recently sold its 100 millionth copy making it the best selling copyright book ever produced. The enduring cultural currency of World Records exists very much within a popular entertainment frame with the status of a World Record Holder occupying an unchallenged mythical status as a title signifying success and individuality through competition, ambition and dedication. |
|
||
His shows allow the audience to investigate the lengthy processes, the rules and strict guidelines that are stipulated by Guinness World Records© as well as offering the chance to experience World Record breaking in a controlled and stylised environment. In trying to find a place for non-theatrical actions within a performative space he presents these unpredictable live moments which ebb and flow with repeated failure and fleeting success. World Record Breaking Performances encourage debate regarding the importance of the live experience and the role of Live Art documentation. Witnessing and evidence play an integral and dual role insofar as they are required by Guinness World Records© and therefore must be adhered to strictly during the performances. It is through these events that Mat Hand aims to explore his own relationship with the compulsion to make a mark, the cultural position and function of World Records and the possibilities for their artistic re-representation/interpretation through Live Art and installation. |
|||
 |
| LONGEST TABLE TENNIS RALLY (5hrs 8mins 22secs: New World Record) In collaboration with Leif Alexis and Ben Mawson-Harris. Bonington Gallery Nottingham, England Performance took place over 2 days and the world record was broken on the 16th attempt. |
|
| TALLEST SUGAR CUBE TOWER (145.5cm: New World Record) Reich & Berühmt Festival Podewil Centre for Contemporary Art Berlin, Germany Performance lasted for exactly 3 hours which is the time allocated in the Guinness World Record rules. Featured on page 93 of Guinness World Records© 2007. |
|
| MOST SWEETCORN KERNELS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES WITH A COCKTAIL STICK (failed) Reich & Berühmt Festival Podewil Centre for Contemporary Art Berlin, Germany Abandoned after 28 failed attempts on the second evening of the festival. |
|
| MOST PEAS EATEN WITH A COCKTAIL STICK IN 3 MINUTES (211: New World Record) eXpo festival Bonington Gallery Nottingham, England World Record achieved on 9th attempt. |
|
| MOST GRAPES EATEN WITH A PLASTIC SPOON IN 3 MINUTES (133: New World Record) eXpo festival Bonington Gallery Nottingham, England World Record achieved on 3rd attempt. Featured on page 40 of Guinness World Records© 2003. |
|
| BIGGEST BUBBLE GUM BUBBLE BLOWN (failed) MOST CREAM CRACKERS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES (failed) MOST SWEETCORN KERNELS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES WITH A COCKTAIL STICK (failed) Diskurs Festival AEG Haus Giessen, Germany Each attempt abandoned after 2 hours. |
|
| MOST BEER MATS FLIPPED & CAUGHT (112: New World Record) BIGGEST BUBBLE GUM BUBBLE BLOWN (failed) Waterstones Gallery Nottingham, England World Record achieved after 4hrs 29mins and 129 attempts. Featured on page 40 of Guinness World Records© 2006 |
|
 |
| Future Performances: Contact: + 44 (0) 11 59 19 57 88 - UK landline or email mat@mathand.co.uk |
|
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}