The Henihle Booth:
Mick Hender and Lucas Ihlein, 1996
The Henihle Booth utilised the exterior and interior of an upstairs gallery space at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
Outside, a text was affixed to the wall in vinyl lettering. View the text in a larger image here.
The text had two parts.
The first part of the text informed the visitor of the possible ways in which they might participate in the work (ranging from fully following the adjacent directions, to not even reading the text).
The second part of the text was a rather dry set of "DIRECTIONS" for how to participate in the work.
Inside the gallery space, a minimal installation was set up, involving a fridge containing milk, water and orange juice; a long table; a set of clean glasses; a dish rack of dirty glasses; a rubbish bin; and a clock.
In the title for the piece, "Henihle" was a blending of the surnames of artists Mick Hender and Lucas Ihlein.
More info about The Henihle Booth
This work was included in Hatched National Graduate Show at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), in 1996.The text outside Studio 3 read as follows:
Upon reading, partially reading, or not reading
these words, your participation in this activity
will take one of the following forms:
1. NOT READING ANY WORDS
a) and not entering Studio 3.
b) and entering Studio 3.
2. PARTIALLY READING THE WORDS
a) and not entering Studio 3.
b) and entering Studio 3.
3. READING ALL THE WORDS
a) and not entering Studio 3.
b) and entering Studio 3.
(i) and not following the directions.
(ii) and following the directions
DIRECTIONS:
a) Enter Studio 3.
b) Walk casually to the fridge.
c) Open the fridge and remove a bottle of water, milk or orange juice, and walk to the bench.
d) Take a clean glass and pour yourself a drink.
e) Sit at the bench and enjoy your drink.
f) When ready, place your glass on the rack at the end of the bench.
g) Return the bottle to the fridge, or if empty place in the bin provided.
h) Casually exit the room, taking note of the artists' names.
i) Experience the other exhibits in the gallery, leave PICA, and continue your life as normal.