Zack Mennell Tackles Sewage, Societal Views, and Personal History in Performance Art
Performance artist Zack Mennell executed a piece on the Deptford foreshore, entering the Thames while wearing a costume constructed from 24 adult nappies that absorbed water. This performance concluded a project titled "(para)site." The project directly addressed public concerns about sewage discharge in waterways and societal views on benefit claimants. During this impactful project, mennell contracted Weil's disease.
An Unconventional Artistic Practice
Mennell's artistic practice is characterized by its unconventional nature. Their background includes growing up in Thurrock, Essex, and actively participating in London's dynamic live art scene. The Thames is a consistent motif and subject in their work, including the film "a sea change," reflecting a deep connection to the river.
Mennell's art often challenges audience expectations. As an artist-in-residence at Rat Park, mennell explored themes of pollution and shame, notably using a thickening agent and gathering audience saliva to represent community.
Mennell indicates their work aims to create both confrontation and connection.
Upcoming Project: "Common Host"
In March, mennell will present "Common Host," a weekend event hosted at Peckham's Safehouses. This extensive event will feature performances, screenings, and workshops. The program will delve into ancient folklore and ecological decay, drawing significant inspiration from mennell's hometown.
Much of mennell's work examines the intersection of individuals and their environments, fostering temporary communities through performance. Supported by Future Ritual, "Common Host" will include collaborations with notable artists such as Martin O'Brien. Mennell noted that queer performance frequently involves friends or partners when dealing with sensitive subjects.
Exploring Personal Themes and Institutional Records
Mennell's work explores profound themes including queerness, disability, and survival. Following a mental breakdown during university, mennell used their own NHS psychiatric documents, printed on rice paper, in the Thames performance, allowing them to dissolve. This particular performance and others utilize these documents to reframe mennell's personal relationship with institutional records.
Mennell has expressed concern about their performance art being perceived as pathological.
Using official documents as artistic material has served as a method for mennell to manage their relationship with these records.
A workshop at "Common Host" will further offer participants an opportunity to examine and redefine their own challenging relationships with specific materials.
The Crucial Role of Community
Mennell stated that "Common Host" developed organically through artistic friendships, highlighting the collaborative spirit of their work.
Mennell emphasized the crucial role of the queer community, describing it as fundamental for survival and a reason for continued existence.