Bot Party

Bot party is an ongoing art interface that probes feminist themes through interaction, interface, and interconnectivity. To begin, after years of living in a body labeled disabled by my society, a level of hesitancy formed a layer of psychic armor under my skin. Even minor unexpected shoves on the subway, slaps to the back, or general overly aggressive handshaking could lead to months of chronic pain and a need for therapy. As a result, I became phobic of allowing others into my space. This fear intersects and overlaps with feminist’s inquiry into space. Women often contain a constant fear of physical violence. To live as a woman in any modern city means to constantly be re-evaluating issues of safety. How do I control who has access to my body? Can my body be here safely without harm? How can I take up space without engaging further harassment? These intersectional identities rest within me and overlap within this project. What started as an exploration for group sound creation emerged into a project that transformed me. In one year, I allowed over 3000 people to touch me. After exhibitions, I was often met with a feeling of euphoria. The amount of oxytocin repeated physical connection sent surging through my nervous system was palatable and it began to melt the armor I had so carefully assembled. What else I learned was I was not alone. I encountered others for whom touch was an experience filled with fear, euphoria, and curiosity. These players gave for me the most valuable experiences. I was also able to observe ways in which social groups tailored their behavior based on gender expectations and cultural norms. Different location afforded different kinds of play. This game became one long piece of performance art and meditation into these intersectional identities I occupy.

• http://playbotparty.com/