performance

ink and skin

sit in the center of the space.
expose as much skin as you feel comfortable with.
keep your posture neutral, open.

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place a sign nearby: 
"write the worst thing you’ve ever said to yourself." 
"write something cruel about me." 
"be honest. be harsh." 

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hold out markers. 
offer them in silence. 
do not resist. do not react. 

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let them write. 
let their words become part of you. 
as the ink spreads, turn slowly. 
show them what they have written. 
let them continue. 

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when time is almost gone, lift your gaze. 
look at them. 
do not look away. 

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pick up a wet cloth. 
erase the words—slowly, deliberately. 
do not finish. 

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when time is up, let the cloth fall from your hand. 
stand. walk away. 
still partially marked.