(re)turn your gaze is a dance performance by GIBBB collective created during the artist residency at Hybrid Art Space at Sonnenstein Loft, RedSapata in Linz, Austria, 18. – 31. 7. 2022

The project discusses surveillance; what it means to observe, and what to be observed. The problem is approached through dance performance, video and clothing. The performer on stage displays a partial awareness and approval of this surveillance, approaching the themes of performativity and privacy, intentional and unintentional subjecting of oneself to observation, an attempt to escape or manipulate outside perception, voyeurism and exhibitionism. The cameras, pointed at the performer, with their projections on the wall act as anonymous observers, approaching the concept of panopticism; but are also able to deceive the spectator, who might assume that all of the projections always display live footage. Similarly, the audience also assumes the role of the observer, though they are able to observe two layers of this performed reality; if the performer is the subject and the cameraperson is the producer, the audience is the consumer. The clothes on stage have the double role of protecting the performer, obscuring the view of the cameras and the audience; but also revealing the performers intention with how they choose to dress, giving them personality, and providing the stage with a narrative – from annoyance to liberation.