Saturday, March 16, 2013

Rebecca Patek

This months cover featuring
electronic-rock band noon:30.
Original photo courtesy of the band,
digital augmentation by K.K.W
Beautiful Control: Rebecca Patek.

When you get right down to it, we are not just the some of our parts and what makes us individuals. We are in fact, the result of the efforts of those who came before us; and for a woman this is most important.


Rebecca Patek @ Spectrum.
Photo by K.K.W
The first time I saw her (@ Spectrum for Valerie Kuehne's birthday event) seemed the opposite of what she is - a choreographer & performance artist.  

On stage her voice, projection of intent, and body language showed the actions of a novice. 30 seconds into it and the crowd became annoyed and agitated; the tension became so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. 
Rebecca Patek @ Spectrum.
Photo by K.K.W
Patek seemed on the verge of a breakdown - babbling about what she wanted to do with her life, being dumped by her boyfriend, finding solace in a stuffed, faceless effigy to project ones sickness and suffering on. Then all of a sudden, she took control of herself and the audience. Anger crept into her eyes and voice as she began talking about her boyfriend mailing her panties back to her.

The audience was now totally in her power,
realizing the method to her madness, and clearly taken with sensuous nature of the act. It was wicked and wild.   


Rebecca Patek
@ The Invisible Dog Art Space
"Aunts Catch" 2/23/13
What's most interesting is the usage of her own vulnerability, body and sexuality to deceive & divert the audiences mind/attention. Patek's one woman act is similar to other female performance artists work ("Cut Piece" by Yoko Ono)in its simplicity, daring and shock.

Patek certainly is a talented young woman taking after (in her way) many others who broke with the notion of a female artist needing to be "a lady" in all things (Lynda Benglis, Vanessa Beecroft), especially her creativity.        
Rebecca Patek
@ The Invisible Dog Art Space
"Aunts Catch" 2/23/13
If you would like to know more, go to:http://rebeccapatek.com/ "Art is the reason, art is the way".