Topic for Discussion: Wafaa Bilal's Performance Art (Patreon)

Check this out: http://wafaabilal.com/domestic-tension/

This art piece is over a decade old and originally intended to highlight the plight of the Iraqi people, but I feel it is still relevant and has even shape-shifted in its message.

The artist confined himself to a plain-white gallery setting for 30 days straight with a 24-hour live stream and chat room set up. There was also a paintball gun with bright yellow ammunition set up in a way that viewers could control, take aim and shoot the gun at will.

What does it say about human nature that thousands of people per day decided to anonymously fire a gun at a complete stranger? I almost feel like using red paintballs would have spoken a more striking metaphor, but I am not one to critique the artist's vision, of course.

Some participants also decided to anonymously help Wafaa, bringing him clothing and housewares they thought he might need after seeing his despair and struggle on the livestream. Some also would log on to the live-stream and take control of the gun, keeping it pointed AWAY from Wafaa, to try to protect him.

What do you think about this art installation? I think all of us here in the FanClub would be protecting and helping him. That is compassion, empathy, generosity; all characteristics that I believe to be inherently automatic for most people. That being said, why do you think so many people shot the gun at him? I think this can easily serve as an allegory for the way so many people choose to cyberbully and harass others through social media these days. Are humans really THIS cruel?

Let's discuss!