Inspired by our so-called canadian country that deems itself as liberal and acceptingly diverse, I argue that within such nationalist liberality we deepen a conservative behaviour with polite passivity and complacency. Whether addressing institutional or behavioural protocols, my art practice is fundamentally grounded in the space between adherence and social change. Whether in the live, ephemeral happening of performance or its documented counterpart, bodies become a visceral agent in which to challenge systemic regimes, and create a dialogic inter-connectedness where excessive politeness does not.

Curious about superfluous adjective politeness, Behavioural Adjectives is a sound installation that centres around the performativity of conservative behaviour, and our haphazard use of excusatory language, (I’m sorry, excuse me etc.) Placed at the entrance of the gallery, a sensory device cues my recorded voice each time someone walks through the door. My lack of a physical presence attempts to highlight our disembodied relationship with these words, ourselves and each other.