Garrett Kovacs, a University student pursuing his bachelor of fine arts in metalsmithing and jewelry, opened his art show Monday morning with only one piece on display: himself. For five days, Kovacs lived in the Laverne Krause Gallery of Lawrence Hall, surviving on only what others would bring him. Without their generosity he would have nothing, an idea which is summarized in the title of his piece, “Without You, There Would Only Be Me.”
University art student Garrett Kovacs sets up for his art show, simply titled, “Art Show,” on the morning of November 14, 2011. Kovacs’ performance is unique; he is part of his piece. Starting at 10:30 A.M. Kovacs stood naked in the Laverne Krause Gallery in Lawrence Hall, only living off of what people would bring him for the entire week. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Garrett Kovacs, a University student pursuing his bachelor of fine arts in metalsmithing and jewelry, opened his art show Monday morning with only one piece on display: himself. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
The initial reaction to art student Garrett Kovacs’ performance was one of surprise. Despite being warned with signs telling of the nudity, gallery viewers who peeked their heads in on Monday morning were faced with just Kovacs and nothing more. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Garrett Kovacs, a University student studying metalsmithing and jewelry, stands naked in the Laverne Krause Gallery in Lawrence Hall, Monday morning. Kovacs is himself the main piece in an art performance titled, “Without You, There Would Only Be Me,” living for the entire week in the gallery on only supplies which others bring. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
The greater University community quickly came to support Kovacs in his efforts to live off the generosity of others for a week. By the end of the first day, he had all the essentials: sleeping bag, multiple outfits, and food. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Krista Matias, 23, of Eugene browses through the collection of reading materials donors had brought Kovacs, who was living in the gallery. Someone even brought him the book, “Knitting with Balls,” and the necessary materials to start the new hobby. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
The first gift donated to the show was a single black pen. Kovacs quickly began to use writing to communicate to gallery viewers his cause, display who had donated and what had been collected, and make requests such as this one, “please bring: as much cardboard and tape as possible!” (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
With requests for cardboard and tape fulfilled, Garrett Kovacs begins to plan out a “nest”, a fort that would encompass nearly a third of the gallery space. After a few days, the supplies brought to Kovacs were completely superfluous, including the most ridiculous: a big screen projection television. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Dailiy Emerald)
Donated to the show, Kovacs learns how to play the ukulele in the Laverne Krause Gallery where he was living for a week. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Josh Quinn, a university senior studying fine arts and multimedia, takes a picture of Garrett Kovacs’ “home” in the Laverne Krause Gallery. Quinn heard about the performance through word of mouth and decided to bring the requested duct tape and cardboard to see how Kovacs would use it. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
