Extreme Ironing

(2007) Performance intervention

Extreme Ironing (2007). Vogelfrei, Darmstadt Germany

'Extreme Ironing' is a site-specific performance originally conceived for Vogelfrei, the 7th Biennale in Darmstadt, which takes place in streets and gardens of the city.

The work takes its title from a new sport, whereby people undertake to iron clothes in adventurous locations. This project is however not concerned with spectacle or bravery, but with the economy of domestic rituals.

For the intervention a small temporary greenhouse was installed in a private garden, housing the artist and the ironing board as well as allowing members of the public to watch and discuss the work.

Autumn leaves were gathered and ironed before being returned to the garden where they came from.

The ironing of leaves was a loving gesture repeated endlessly, and through the repetition the work become a game that defied traditional economic logic.

Within the inevitability of the seasonal decay the work created a playful interlude.

Vogelfrei is a regular art event of the Rhein-Main region since its conception in 1995, with the participation of rising numbers of international artists. In 2007, 46 artists participated from eight countries (Argentina, Germany, Finland, Great Britain, Israel, Canada, Netherlands and USA).