(2018)

Durational performance with artist, Eric-Paul Riege, and community members

In this performance, Bryson and Riege take on roles of custodial spiders. Hybrid, radio-active, weaver-beings, cleaning toxicity and using the “toxic” materials to warp a loom in order to weave a new story. Together they remove “contaminated” cotton rope from an oil barrel which contained 50 gallons of indigo dye.

Indigo is chosen to represent the contamination for a few reasons. First, it is a safe material that has a profound visual impact, turning the skin blue and filling the gallery with a strong scent. Secondly, indigo reacts through oxidation and oxidation is a key (but contradictory) process within the exhibition, Gently Radical Changing. . The weaving was completed in a community effort after the initial performance. For one week, a schedule was posted, and community members were invited to the gallery to come share in the process.