I AM ENGLISH, I AM ENGLISH - 2007

A two-screen ten minute video loop.

This project plays on some of the stereotypes of the British and the niggling behaviour of people mimicing my accent. The cup-of-tea – a beverage I do not drink – is a symbol of Englishness. This project is shown on two television screens. On one screen is a mundane video of a cup of tea being stirred occasionally. On the other television screen, the left and right profiles of the same person are facing the other. As one person starts to speak, the other starts repeating the words. The performer has a clipped English accent. Through this method the conversation becomes combative as each person mimics the other. In addition, the tête-à-tête becomes ridiculous as the performers start inviting each other to partake in tea and biscuits, talk about the weather and pronounce the word aluminium as it is written in British English.