In this performance, the artist articulates random words from the dictionary, detached from their meanings, while balancing a blade on their tongue. The blade shifts with the movements of the tongue, creating a dynamic interplay where the spoken words influence the blade’s motion. Each word acts as a signifier, independent of its conventional meaning, effectively becoming a directive for the tongue’s movements.
This approach transforms the words into instructions for the muscle’s action, introducing a secondary layer of significance. The relationship between movement and language is vividly illustrated through the blade, which serves as a tangible representation of this interplay, revealing how the spoken syllables dictate both the style and extent of the tongue’s movement.
The word for “tongue” in Farsi is زبان (zabān), which also means “language.” This dual meaning highlights the physical aspect of the tongue as the organ used for speech, as well as its function in producing language.
The title “The Persian Red Tongue” draws inspiration from a Persian proverb: “The red tongue wastes the green head.” This phrase suggests the potential consequences of inconsiderate speech.
