Melbourne-based artist Phuong Ngo used to visit his GP before embarking on one of his ten day performances. He’s choosing not to this time around, after his doctor advised against the entire project.
Why might a medical professional be so concerned? Ngo intends to endure starvation, hypothermia and sleep deprivation for his piece Article 14.1, part of Sydney Festival.
Over the ten days, his only objective – apart from staying alive – is to fold as many origami boats as possible, inviting the public to participate while listening to oral recordings of Vietnamese asylum seekers. The title, Article 14.1, refers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”