GUMPTION was a collaborative effort with Comic artist
Patricia Mendoza. The project involved two installations by the pair, one on
the walls of the gallery and another on the floor. Russ Ligtas’ work occupies
the floor space. Using toy plastic toy soldiers, he configures a tableau of a
war that culminates in focal point of a heart rendered in splattered red paint.The
installation is a discussion on the passive reactions of societies with regard
to ongoing wars within and outside their own borders.
Character
GUMPTION featured one of Russ Ligtas' alter egos, the
defunct Comfy. Comfy is the embodiment of comfort zones. The demon that
paralyzes an individual to a state of complacency, passively accepting the
status quo. The creation of the character’s physical manifestation required the
participation of several collaborators as the costume is made of stuffed animal
toys which, is employed as the primary metaphor for stagnating comfort. Russ
Ligtas requested participants to part with their toys to create the character’s
costume. In this manner, Comfy becomes the collective manifestation and
representation of a number of individual’s comfort zones.
Performance
During the opening of the exhibition, Russ Ligtas
appeared as Comfy, occupying the gallery as a menacing presence. He whispers to
every individual he encounters “Come here, I’ll take care you” and “It’s ok.”
The performance begins with the opening of the exhibition and ends as the
gallery closes for the night.
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