Our Best Intentions, a participatory performance series and video installation, was comprised of nine interactive evenings and a four-channel video installation open during gallery hours. The gallery space was transformed into four domestic settings—a living room, bedroom, study, and dining room— which served as the stage set for each hour-long performance and the viewing area for the video installation. Each live, interactive session involved an intimate group of 20 participants; upon entering the space, individuals selected a labeled vest with titles such as “mother,” “lover,” “future,” and “doubt,” which served as key visual cues for the actions that ensued. After taking their positions in the space, participants were led through collaborative workshops and encouraged to use personal stories and memories to confront unresolved issues and reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

Our Best Intentions was co-commissioned by Artis and Performa for Performa 13.