SUE TOMPKINS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiQTbXTyK_4 - video of Sue Tompkins

tp://www.axisweb.org/ofSARF.aspx?SELECTIONID=78 - Article

SUE TOMPKINS

I first heard of Sue Tompkins about two years ago and was intrigued by her work and performance art.  She is fascinated by rhythm, whether it’s the clicking of her typing (on a typewriter) or simply just the way words sound when they are repeated.  Tompkins does not focus on the meaning of words in the usual context, but instead repeats and syncopates words to make us rethink what language really is, and how words can be used in different ways to create different meanings. Tompins helps us look at words a part from their usual associations and mundane contexts. 

I found an article reviewing one of Tompkin’s performances of 2004, “No More Cola Wars”, written by Michelle Cotton.  The idea of a ‘cola war’ stemmed from the subliminal advertising of Coca Cola in the 1950’s, where an experiment was conducted in a cinema.  ‘Drink Coca Cola’ would flash on the screen for less than one second every five seconds in hopes that the audience would buy more Coke. In this performance, Tompkins repeats words and phrases out of context to create a new sense of meaning and acknowledgement of the words she carefully chooses. “Tompkins loops and re-plays words and phrases so that a rhythm is struck through repetition” according to Cotton. The main idea Cotton communicates is that Tompkins’ work is very effective, catchy, and meaningful in a different way. “Tompkins is interested in testing how language can acquire meaning or permanence through rhythm, repetition and variation of tone so like music it becomes endlessly replayed, whether it's heard or not.”  I find this relates also back to the idea of subliminal messages, and the Coca Cola experiment.  I am inspired by Tompkins’ work; how she is able to use words, mundane phrases and tunes in a new way, which ends up communicating an entirely new message.  I learned from this article review that it is not so much what words/materials you use to communicate that matter (it could be as simple as ‘Drink Coca Cola’!) but instead, HOW you use these words/materials can make a transforming difference.  For example, the tactic of the subliminal messages, or Sue Tomkins’ unusual repetition of words and sentences-something very new, inspiring, and even powerful could be communicated to the audience.