Omar A. Chowdhury

Id is a camouflaged performance that reverses the logic and choreography of theft. It alters the architecture and organisation of the museum space to create moments where the audience is distracted and vulnerable. Performers then operate on this vulnerability and without explicit permission draw near to visitors to pass on a “gift.”

Since this action is likely unnoticed, the impact of the performance often occurs outside the time and place of the biennial. As a result, the recipient may be confused about what has happened, who did it, when and where. This may elicit suspicion, prejudice, and doubt. Sometimes the performers are caught in the act and their reactions and the actions of the audience are folded back into the work.

Omar A. Chowdhury is a Bengali-Australian artist and filmmaker trained in industrial relations and information systems. He produces parafictional installations, films, and performances which animate the ambiguities and ruptures of diasporic life.