Reflections on Originality

The artists Igor Josifov and Michael Ryan Noble give a performance lecture entitled “Reflections on Originality,” in which they explore the roles of the audience and curators in responding to the originality of performance art works. Looking at art as a fundamental aspect of humanity, Igor Josifov and Michael Ryan Noble’s project “Reflections on Originality” investigates ideas of authenticity in art and questions how the language of art is at once original and derivative. Throughout the residency they will be recreating and copying their previous performance works “Manumission,” “Emit,” and “Flooded,” as well as exploring the idea of copying as part of their fellow Watermill residents’ new work. Concluding their Watermill residency, the artists will present their research through performance as well as an exhibition of photos and drawings, and will address such concepts as artistic integrity, inspiration, creative vision, intellectual property, appreciation and interpretation.