Cine+Perfo

SYNOPSIS

Canadian artist John G. Boehme in a “dirty protest” at the site of the proposed gold mine in Northern Ireland I have tucked into a tiller’s lunch covered in gold leaf, watering it down with a large glass of Goldschlager

A Canadian artist traveled to Northern Ireland yesterday to present plans for a proposed mine. Dalradian is seeking permission to extract billions of gold and silver from the Sperrins for the Over the next 20 years, he says it will create hundreds of new jobs and follow strict environmental standards. But more than 10,000 people have sent letters to the government opposing Co Tyrone’s planning application Fears for the health and natural beauty of the rural community, related in part to the use of cyanide.

As part of a protest against the Canadian firm’s plan, John G. Boehme dug a hole in the ground, before placing a table and chair in it. He then dug into a tiller’s lunch covered with gold leaf, washing it down with a large glass of Goldschlager. Boehme then did his thing in the hole and pulled the dirt on top of his waste and then walked away after creating some “boggy” soil.

He said, “In Canada, where I’m from, there is a movement back to the land. The land is very important to our identity and to who we are as people.” We have to honor the land we are on.to the idea of short-term resource exploitation, but also with effects for generations to come.” I chose Greencastle for my focus because the company involved is Canadian, and so, being Canadian, I thought, You know, there was a connection there. “The history of the site and the history of the people is incredible. I’ve been researching this place for months, and I learned a lot.

“I thought I would do something fun and also direct,” he added. “Eating gold highlighted the idea of excess. Right now there’s already excess gold in the world – why do you need more?” I wanted this to be site-specific, rather than a gallery situation, because I wanted to be in an environment that exemplified the region and allow people to connect with the work as a community.”

Boehme’s work has been exhibited in Canada, Australia, America, Europe and China. The performance in Greencastle was sponsored by BBeyond as part of their ‘Citizengage – Ecology + Performance Art Project’. Many thanks to Canadian artist John G. Boehme, Bbeyond Belfast and their project ‘Citizengage – Ecology + Performance art’.” In Canada, where I am from, there is a back to the land movement. The land is very important to our identity and who we are as people. We have to honor the land we are on. I started researching this company and the history of mining in general and was attracted to the idea of exploiting the resources in the short term, but also with effects for generations to come…. The history of the site and the history of the people is incredible.”