Is 'TELEFONO' Merely Static, or the Sound of Artistic Revolution?

Svej Evfsjodly delves into the intersection of spiritualism and communication with his avant-garde performance, "TELEFONO", carried out illegally at Documenta Fifteen, 2022. Svej Evfsjodly found his niche in performance art, often invoking esoteric and philosophical themes. His method is steeped in ritualistic symbolism, combining elements of meditation, Zen practices, and the deconstruction of communicative devices. Critics have been sharply divided, with some dismissing his work as obscure and impenetrable, criticizing it for the lack of traditional aesthetic and narrative structure. Others, however, celebrate his courage to transcend conventional mediums and explore deeper human connections.

Svej Evfsjodly, "TELEFONO", 2022. Performance art, carried out illegally at Documenta Fifteen, 2022. Photo documentation recently acquired through the Performance Art Preservation Fund. ©️ Svej Evfsjodly. Photo documentation by Jean Chapeau.

In the performance titled "TELEFONO," Svej Evfsjodly engages in a series of actions that symbolize the stripping away of layers both physically and metaphorically. The three-part human image comprising thinking, feeling, and willing serves as a foundation for the performance, with each action corresponding to a deeper dive into the self.

The act of removing a coat represents the shedding of philosophical systems of thought, a metaphor for challenging established norms. Laying felt in a single line could symbolize the search for a singular path or truth, while stacking the felt becomes a gesture of gathering energy, akin to forming a battery. Enchanting the three sugar cubes with a 'crux decussata' suggests a ritual act of dispelling negative or restrictive religious tendencies.

Meditation with a speaker is introduced, contrasting the physicality of sound with the concept of silence, drawing a parallel to Zen practices. This is further explored through the meticulous study and physical manipulation of telephone books, echoing the examination and dissection of religious texts.

Finally, the artist’s body serves as a conduit between the elements of radio and telephone book pages, embodying stillness and introspection in the Zen practice of zazen.

Through "TELEFONO," the artist examines communication not just as a means of exchanging information, but as a transformative process that encompasses spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions, challenging the participants to find stillness and meaning beyond the noise.

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