It's not what you do it's the way that you do it

This investigation aims to answer the following questions.

• How can re-presentation of non-verbal communication manifest as art?
• What are artistic equivalents of empathy and rapport?
• How can the working methods used in medical practice influence the production of art?

The research builds upon my previous work, which examined the non-verbal communication of prominent politicians/celebrities during some of their public speeches.  

In an effort to examine my research questions, I am conducting a "Series of unfortunate (art) events" that focus on the re-presentation of non-verbal communication that takes place when people are doing "normal" things such as talking, waiting, walking, socializing and eating: whether alone or in groups.

I concentrate on movements, intonation of speech, non-verbal utterances, sounds of movements, laughter and peoples own experience of empathy/rapport.

Overarching the research I use medical working methods to inform my artistic practice.   This involves the appropriation of processes that take place within medical consultations, medical education and appraisal of doctors, using them as a model for both making and critiquing my work. Examples of these medical processes include making an appointment, speaking to a receptionist, waiting, history taking, examinations, investigations, use of templates and computer technology and annual appraisals.

The first events in this research project include:

• 'The Great Forced LOLathon' 2013:  a 26.2-minute marathon of people laughing out loud, collectively.  This is at the Mining Institute, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne on the 26th of November 2013.  Supported by Wunderbar.
• 'Synchrocrispicity': collective synchronized crisp eating: at the Gallery North Project Space, Gallery North, Northumbria University 28th November 2013.
• 'Trying to look like Steven Gerrard when he scored in the World Cup qualifier against Poland at Wembley, 2013'

Sponsors: Arts and Humanities Research Council