David Khang 1 - Monday July 21, 2008

David Khang’s path to performance has been as winding as anyone’s, and includes years spent studying dentistry and theology. In describing his practice he talks about using historical moments as readymades, juxtaposing different geo-political flashpoints to explore their commonality and resonance upon our present and future. It is relational work writ large, a conscious employ of his gendered, racialized body to discuss human interconnectedness; to trace a legacy of justice movements, to honour the costs paid by those who have fought for freedom, to humbly perform in solidarity with them.

At one point in his life, David seriously considered ministry (with the United Church of Canada). Not surprisingly his performance work embodies notions of liberation theology and employs citational strategies.

It seems no coincidence that the medium of performance art came of age at a time when the power of “testifying” was prevalent in the civil rights movements, informing feminism’s “the personal is political”. Khang’s performative actions, though not personal narratives, nonetheless follow in this tradition. With his body he bears symbolic witness to injustice, and suggests that through an understanding of common vulnerability, corporeal frailty and love we find grace.

Speaking with David I was struck by his quest to find meaning. He is now considering pursuing studies in town planning or law. At one point in his life he almost did a degree in architecture. He is searcher, as all good artists must be. He described one of his performances to me, a piece of such rich metaphoric image and action that it could hold many meanings. David constructed a large book, “the book”, which, when opened, released monarch butterflies tied by silk threads sewn through his tongue. As they flew out of the tome he cut the strings that bound them to him, releasing them from both the text and his mouth, releasing them from rhetoric. What could be viewed as a non-political work can also hold political resonance. Viewed in the context of David’s practice, our bodies transcend ideology. Our right to freedom is sacred and universal.