Do You Need A Doctor?
Daily performance project, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2012
This project began with a question inspired by Joseph Beuys’ agenda that “everyone is an artist”: If everyone can become an artist, wouldn’t the role of the artist ultimately become unnecessary? It draws a parallel to the role of a doctor—whose goal is to make people healthy, yet, if fully achieved, would render the doctor obsolete. Quoting the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” the artist conducted a one-month daily performance in which “prescriptions” (apples, other fruits, or various objects) were delivered daily to participants (referred to as "patients"), sparking philosophical dialogue through email.
The project was conducted remotely, with 7 participants who received these daily deliveries each morning under the guidance of a fictional figure, “Doctor Kay.” Participants knew nothing about the artist except this alias. After a few days, many began asking whether the apples were truly being sent by a person and eventually asked, “Why are you doing this?” These questions led to an ongoing exchange in which the artist shared personal reflections on the role and purpose of the artist.
There were challenges from the beginning: attempts to recruit participants through online platforms were blocked or flagged for impersonating a medical professional, despite clearly framing the project as an art piece. As a result, the artist turned to print advertising and successfully recruited 7 participants.
Through this work, the artist explored the potential self-negation embedded in the role of the artist, using the form of a doctor’s care to question and communicate the deeper existential purpose of art. It became a performative act that blurred boundaries between care, communication, and conceptual art.
환자를 모으기 위한 전단지
4주간의 처방전 배달, 환자 1-7
