Performance

Artist Statement: Video Performance

“What is it you don’t understand”

“I felt my blood boil and I wanted to bring the pain close and inside their heart, and reflect on the impact it would have on their own lives to lose a loved one.” (Annick Duvivier)
What if it was you dad? What if it was your mom?
What if it was your son? What if it was your aunt?
Inspired by the current events and the lost lives of so many African Americans due to gun violence in 2020. And specifically by a post on social media saying, “I understand that I don’t understand…” on the profile of multiple people of different races, not Black.
This is a video performance by the Haitian woman artist Annick Duvivier that explores the suffering of gun violence of African Americans and specifically women. Many minority communities are affected in excessive amounts and impact women, black African American males, children and teens, LGBTQ, and Native Americans more than others.
“ Feeling of being lost and worthless, the intense torment I have felt in my skin gave me the need to explore this subject matter.” (Annick Duvivier)
With the deepest hopes that everyone watching will not remain passive because they are not affected today, and bringing awareness to this issue, because gun violence does not discriminate, between race nor gender.
This pain is generational and once this is acknowledged and accepted only and only then, healing can begin and change can occur. “What is it you don’t understand” that every life is as valuable as your own, despite the color, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, and religious belief?
We are all one human race!