Durational performance by the artist and migrant workers at Ryllega Gallery in 2004. Participants’ shirts, an artifact produced by the performance, were kept and displayed as an installation for a month.

Description

The Circle is regarded as Nguyễn Minh Phước's second work that involves migrant workers. Continuing from Sleepwalking, Nguyễn Minh Phước wanted to bring up the social issue of civility. In a live performance, the artist invited out-of-province workers to join him. Each individual randomly received a different question on issues about cultures, society, arts, and the self. Asked to sit in a large circle, each participant would respond to the question by writing on the back of the person in front. The act of writing on another person’s back alludes to the invisible social responsibilities that connect persons with persons. The artist remarked: “Responsibility is never a mere individual affair; it resembles a circle in that we cannot escape from it”. The Circle also signifies the vicious circle of poverty, education, and intellect in contemporary society.

Description by ViAA based on materials provided by the artist.