H.U.G
by Mandafounis & McATAMNEY
Inspired by the social experiment, Ioannis Mandafounis brings art into the social frame of urban spaces by using a pre-existing form and transforming it into a human artistic result.
Coming as an answer to the “European Project” and its political dead-end, Mandafounis & McAtamney offers an alternative. A way of exercising our obligations and rights as citizens. An alternative way of co-existing and co-creating equally. A way to understand and practice collaboration as well as coexistence. A way to understand our humanity.
Ioannis Mandafounis goes through the streets of the city, together with his collaborator to offer free hugs.
The rule is to give and receive a hug from any person in the street that wishes to do so, but with a clear goal. In order to feel what is behind the forms in which we live, the performers will invite the audience members to act as performers too by hugging them as long as they can, or as long as it takes until the hugging bodies start sharing and exchanging deep feelings, emotions and informations.
Both players will have to reach a transcendent phase of intense physical intimacy together through the hug while being exposed to an urban social context.
H.U.G. exercises a deeper sensation by being involved in a common effort.
As much for the performers as for the audience members, this project should become a real shared experience.