Since Biblical time and Abraham, at least, it has been an established act of courtesy to offer a feet wash to strangers. like Abraham himself did when God appeared to him disguised in the shape of three wanderers.
... he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground. And he said: Lord, if I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away from thy servant. But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree.
Genesis18:2-4 (Old Testament first published 1609 by the English College at Douay, revised until1899)
The Feet Wash ritual has been the most known act by the artist for some years and it has been performed at Art Museums all over the world. In 2002 Delta RA'i took part in the Art Caravan touring all around the county of Uppsala in a group of artists from different disciplines. He then gave 28 feet wash performances in strange places like a local grocery store in Örbyhus, a hill of Old Uppsala, or a woodworks at Alsike. As I attended the Caravan for documentary reasons I was appointed to play the part of Abraham and in the first five minutes after the arrival to every single place find volonteers for the ritual. It was a surprisingly easy task, and rewarding as well and I failed only twice. It gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people as a salesman offering a strange product, opening up the event towards ordinary people. I will never forget the eye of a woman who I approached in the queue at a bankers office. Initially she was reserved, but then, all of a sudden, her glance was changed as she decided to consent to my offer.
In 2002 I never had an opportunity to enjoy the experience myself, so it was a happy moment for me when I finally found myself in the lounger and had my feet washed in the 14 of june 2008. Sitting relaxed with my eyes closed I experienced something like a happy dance inside my body, as energy was elicited by the touch of the artist. At this point I realised the hidden pleasures contained in the work and ever afterwards I will remember it when I see or reflect on this ritual artwork.
As an artwork, and it unquestionably is a work of art, it fails when it is regarded with the traditional aesthetic attitude of distancing. Its secrets are revealed only as you consent to let your body take part in the work.
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