until i can speak my mind

2009
35 mm film, color, silent, 1:00

directed and performed by Michele Jaquis
cinematography and lighting by Luis Guizar

This short film was inspired by a recurring dream that both the artist and her twin sister have had for years. Each of the ten jump cuts begin with the artist chewing bubble gum which she then spits it into her hand, only to find in the next shot that the gum is still there and is getting bigger. By the tenth shot, there are ten pieces of gum in her mouth, and she is visibly gagging while attempting to chew and remove it all.

"Michelle Jaquis's Until I Can Speak My Mind arouses an uncomfortable sensation among viewers, nothing short of gagging, reminiscent of a diluted Paul McCarthy video. Jaquis's earnest passport style headshot undeniable overpowers the screen, even though she rarely shows direct eye contact with the viewer, as she chews an increasing amount of pink bubble gum. After each segment she spits the glutinous chewing gum provoking a gag reflex that defeats the purpose of a childhood favorite candy and is converted into a nauseating self-censoring substance, which still speaks truth for women today without heavy feminist overtones."
Nathalie Sanchez, August 27, 2009
greyareaartist.wordpress.com/​2009/​08/​ 27/​1440-review/

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• 35 mm film
• performance art
• bubble gum