Portraits
2007
Tara Travis, a professional actor, was hired to enact three characters based on Elizabeth Milton’s deceased family members. After studying photographs, character biographies and descriptions of physical and vocal idiosyncrasies, Travis took on the role of Milton’s maternal grandmother (Baba), paternal grandmother (Nana) and uncle (Bobby). The artist and actor entered family homes inhabited by each character and enacted a series of improvisational performances based around the process of taking the character’s photographic portrait. All performative interactions were documented by a video camera, acknowledged by both participants.
Performance, Video, Digital Photographs
00:45:50
Exhibited
Green, 2007. MFA Thesis Exhibition, Morris and Helen Belkin Gallery, University of British Columbia Since Before and After, 2007. Alexander Centre, Vancouver
Performers
Elizabeth Milton
Tara Travis