4 June 2004

Re-enchant the Sausage, Russell Lilford Image taken by Bronwyn Wright

An unusual, jaw-dropping performance helped mark the opening of the latest Charles Darwin University art exhibition, EDGE, held as part of the recent Creative Tropical City symposium.

With his naked torso painted red, his neck collared by a long string of sausages and his chanting “re-enchant the sausage”, University Arts Lecturer Russell Lilford’s performance surprised Symposium attendees.

Mr Lilford says his current work involves an evolution of ideas that starts with layers of human connection or connecting points of human existence.

“I believe visual art has vital role in that. Through its processes it allows an individual to find the path ways to self empowerment.

“In my latest performance work I examine the idea of desire through metaphor. I’m red, is it passion? Fury? Raging bull? A communist? Or is to do with some kind of spiritual enigma maybe its all those things or maybe none, your choice!

“Desire! I want know what your performance means? Why has that guy painted himself red and wrapped sausages around his head and started chanting? Maybe it has to do with binding our selves to desire and thinking that by procuring them that we will answer the voids in our lives?

“Why did he then walk out cutting up the string of sausages saying repeatedly “re-enchant the sausage”? Maybe that’s a reflection on what happens to most of our desire, a lineage of disenchantment, re-enchanting the sausage!

“Admittedly, that’s a lot to get out of some sausages! But it doesn’t half make you laugh!”

EDGE will be available for public viewing until 11 June at the Charles Darwin University Gallery, Building 12, Casuarina Campus.