Gisela Hochuli: In Strange Hands - A conversation with Hanna B. Hölling, Jules Pelta Feldman and Emilie Magnin

This chapter discusses the performances of Swiss-based performance artist Gisela Hochuli, particularly focusing on her series titled In Strange Hands. The series involves the interpretation and performance of instructions received from the registrants to the project’s annual colloquium. Hochuli explains that performance instructions offer the possibility of different executions and individual authorship, which sparked her interest in collecting and incorporating them into her work. The first performance consisted of three instructions, while the second performance involved around twenty instructions. The evolving thinking in conception and execution led to different approaches, with the first performance being more immersive and the second a more sequential performance at a table. Hochuli reflects on the role of external forces, such as nature or the audience, in shaping performances, and the transformative experience for both the artist and the spectators. The text also touches on the significance of documenting and archiving performance art for reflection, understanding different approaches, and inspiring future interpretations. Video documentation plays a crucial role in capturing performances and aiding in reflection and development. Hochuli emphasizes the potential for reenactment and the invitation for others to develop their own performances based on the instructions.